choosing a Beethoven piano sonata

[ben12345_5]

I'm choosing a Beethoven sonata movement to learn next year.  My piano teacher gave me 3 choices:

1) Sonata No. 7 in D Major Op. 10 No. 3 1st mvt. Presto.
2) Sonata No. 18 in Eb Major Op. 31 No. 3 2nd mvt. Scherzo.
3) Sonata No. 26 in Eb Major Op. 81a "Les adieux" 1st mvt.

I think all of these pieces are within my technical ability (my previous pieces include Jeux d'Eau, Chopin Scherzo No. 2, Saint-Saens Piano concerto no. 2 1st mvt), but this is going to be my second priority piece.  I'll mainly be working on Busoni's Carmen Fantasy    , and I don't have time to learn and polish 2 big pieces.

Anyway, I was wondering if you guys could maybe give me a suggestion on which piece to learn.

Thanks! 

[alejo_90]

Les Adieux, of course, but you have specified "1st mvt.". IMO, If you have played Chopin's second Scherzo you are technically in shape to play the whole sonata, specially the third movement, wich is the core of it.

Best
Alex

[kriskicksass]

Les Adieux, of course, but you have specified "1st mvt.". IMO, If you have played Chopin's second Scherzo you are technically in shape to play the whole sonata, specially the third movement, wich is the core of it.

Best
Alex

I disagree. Opus 81a is a beast, and the third movement is enough to give you tendonitis! The 2nd Scherzo is in no way the same difficulties as 81a, and I wouldn't recommend it to you if you don't have time for two big pieces. I'd recommend the D Major sonata you have listed, it's much more managable.

[alejo_90]

I disagree. Opus 81a is a beast, and the third movement is enough to give you tendonitis! The 2nd Scherzo is in no way the same difficulties as 81a, and I wouldn't recommend it to you if you don't have time for two big pieces. I'd recommend the D Major sonata you have listed, it's much more managable.