Beethoven Op 79 - rating?

[steve jones]

Hi,

Anyone know Op 79 mov1? How difficult would you say it is? I know its on ABRSM gr8 list B, I dont like to draw to much into grades.

I do like this one though, and I find the first movement refreshingly bright and uplighting for old LV.

What would you say were the particular 'difficulties' for this movement (obviously Id expect a rather subjective answer to this one)?

Cheers all, appreciate you input!

[teresa_b]

hi Steve,

I've played this and it is a lot of fun!   I don't know much about the grading system, but I don't think op 79 is too difficult.  The obvious trouble spots are the hand-crossings. 

Needless to say, there are some sudden dynamic shifts, and it's important to observe all of Beethoven's markings and phrasing.  I would think overall, be sure to keep the feel of the "alla tedesca" dancing rhythm, and don't let the piece get boring by being too"careful." 

Have fun--
Teresa

[steve jones]

Will do, thanks teresa_b

I shall finish Op49 first, then give it a blast. I think I may have difficulty keeping the rhythm steady, and the two hands synced. But I guess thats you practice!

[George K]

Most beginners, when they want to learn a Beethoven Sonata, learn Op 49 #2. Then Op. 49 #1 (which I like bettter).

Third on the list is Op. 70.

I have to agree that it's so much fun to play. Flashy and joyful.

I heard one analyst describe it as an homage to Clementi.

Think about it:

It opens with an outline of a major triad (just like Clementi), and then it proceeds to "noodle around" for a while.


George

[steve jones]

George,

Im a a huge Beethoven fan, so Im totally committed to working through his sonatas. However, I dont want to take on too much to soo, and end up 'intimidated' by the works.

With that in mind I shall proceed in the order you mentioned. I started Op49 yesterday, and it seems the perfect level for me to begin with. I think learning this piece will give me significant confidence to tackle some of the more challenging works.

Op79 I'll put on hold for a while. I do like this one through, so I shall look forward to attempting it in the future!

[kolmogorov]

Hi

I've learnt the whole sonata , and it is really wonderful. I think you should also play the second and third mvts.

First movement main difficulty: some cross hands, some runs at the end, and in general it is difficult if you play it at the Presto tempo usually pianists do in their recordings . But you can play it a little bit slower. I used to play it at 190 mm. Try to relax wrists and fingers in the runs.
People even not very used to classical music (family, friends) use to love this mvt. Wonderful  and  unforgettable first theme.

Second mvt is really beautiful. It is the easiest of the three.Enjoy it. It is very romantic and speaks by itself. I find the first change to major key and the "echo" ending also unforgettable.

Third mvt has one main difficulty: crossed rythms (three against four, and also triplets against four where the first note is a silence). This mvt is also rated grade 8. This one should be played really vivace. I never reached this speed (I get bored before it), but it would have been worth .

Enjoy learning this work, you wont regret it.

J.

[steve jones]

Eek, 3 against 4, I hate that. Time to get my dancing shoes on by the sounds of it. 

[shenting]

Personally have not tried it myself, but I have seen/heard the following:

Friend who was also taking Grade 8 ABRSM this year chose Op 79 over Op 90. (He and his teacher both insisted on Beethoven.) He successfully finished learning the piece in about 2 weeks or thereabouts.

Attended this piano recital where this 10/11 year old girl supposedly of ABRSM Grade 7 standard pulled off the 1st movement in under 3 minutes.

If I am not wrong, Bernhard places it quite low on the difficulty scale amongst the Beethoven Sonatas.

[steve jones]

Op90 is rough! I love the first movement, but I doubt I'll ever be able to play that one. The left hand arps a b55 are impossible (atleast with my hands).

Good to know Op79 is a little easier!

[bearzinthehood]

Dude, having just been here I'd say op. 79 is significantly harder than op. 49, but still very easy.  Also, out of the Op. 49s, no 1 is way better IMO.  The second movement of 49/2 is just about the most boring thing ever.  Also, you might want to take a look at op. 14, both of them are fun and easy.  I like op. 14/1 more, the third movement is fun to play fast and the other two are relatively easy to learn and sound nice.

[George K]

The second movement of 49/2 is just about the most boring thing ever. 

(You've never met my first wife...)

But seriously. I've read that the tune to 49/2 was the (sit down) second most popular thing that Beethoven wrote (at least popular when he was alive). It's the theme from a wind septet, and Vienna went nuts over it. He hated the Op. 49 sonatas - never intended them for public hearing, and they were published without his knowledge or approval by his brother, in the hopes of raising some cash.

Oh, what was the most popular piece?

Moonlight, first movement, of course  .   



George

[steve jones]

Op49/1 is a very nice. Sounds like the kind of piece I could learn too without to much strife. I shall hit this next, as I prefer to 49/2 (which is a bit to 'jolly' for my tastes).

Op79 is beyond me at the moment. I shall attempt it in the near future though.

[jim_24601]

they were published without his knowledge or approval by his brother

Would this be the infamous Camper Van Beethoven?

(sorry, couldn't resist)