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I'm a fan of around 1/8 note = 180.

Just my opinion.

You should create a poll for this one and see what the most common response is. Might be interesting!!

I also played it at 180.

Not sure what tempo they take, but it would be worthwhile to check of the Perantoni and Skillen recordings.

http://cdbaby.com/cd/josephskillen" target="_blank

http://www.summitrecords.com/product.tmpl?SKU=81" target="_blank

This is a great topic and one that I actually have an opinion on. I have played this many times and even judged it at some solo competitions. My basic response (for what it's worth) is that just because you can doesn't necessarily make it good. I personally like to play it around 194 - 200 for the 8th note...much faster just sounds frantic (no matter how well executed). Music isn't meant to be played as fast as possible, unless the composer asks for it. The first mvmnt of the Plog has a great groove to it...too fast and I think it looses that funk.

I believe musical integrity is more important than proving how much you can "bench press"...but that's just me.

You should ask Plog himself. Contact info via website.

I spoke last year through e-mail with Tony Plog when working on a senior project. GREAT guy, and very friendly!! Indeed that might be worth trying.

I always felt that the line within the line is the most improtant part of mvt.1. What I mean is when you group the notes together in the right way another musical line becomes present. I personally feel that the opening statement should be group as follows, 123 123 12 123 123 123 123 12 12 12, with a slight accent played on the 1's. This creates a beautiful melodic line inside of the somewhat technical arpeggiated pattern. Try practicing the inner line by just playing the first note of each grouping, holding it out for the value of the group(ex. dotted quarter on C, dotted quarter on Eb, quarter on C, dotted quarter on C etc.)
As far as tempo goes, you should play the part fast enough to connect the inner line together(the 1's) but still able to play the entire line very cleanly.
The Plog holds a special place with me, I have performed it several times and each time I bring it back out I find more and more music in the piece.

What is the correct length of a woman's legs?
I would assume that the general shape and size of the rest would affect the calculation
Take care,
Øystein Baadsvik

Pure poetry...