LYRICAL / SLOW PRIZE
We pay lip service to nuance and poetic sensitivity, yet so often it’s “loud and fast” that elicits the most attention. So we have this prize category for excellence in slow, lyrical playing. Any piano solo or concerto movement that is predominantly lyrical and slow qualifies for this award. (The judges will be the final arbiters of what pieces qualify for this -- or any other -- award.) The judges will be looking for articulative finesse, subtlety, musical maturity, good tone, balance of voices, phrase nuances, pedaling sophistication if applicable, etc. “Technique” is a lot more than just virtuosity!