Hardest Schumann works

[Waldszenen]

What pieces by Schumann are typically considered to be his most difficult for the piano?

I know for one that his Toccata is very challenging. Any others?

[mrchops10]

I would say Kresleriana is the most challenging. Carnaval isn't easy, though.

[hodi]

Kreisleriana is though.
His Piano Sonatas are very difficult too (all of them),
Fantasy in C major op.17
Piano Concerto op.54

i think those are the hardest.

[Floristan]

...and the toccata, of course. 

Oh, doh!    I gotta start reading these more carefully!

Nevermind! 

[thalbergmad]

Although i have never played them, i have heard the Abegg Variations are of extreme difficulty in sections.

[bunnicula]

Though it may not seem it at first glance, I have been having a devil of a time mastering his romance in f sharp.  Surprisingly difficult, though I don't know if it specifically has a reputation as such.

[bernhard]

And let us not forget the Symphonic Etudes op. 13.

[stevie]

edward cohen randomly learnt and performed the piano concerto in under a week, quite impressive.

[dmk]

I would think the Symphonic Etudes op 13 and the Sonata in F sharp minor op 11 would be the 'hardest' (well the hardest for me anyway)...

Toccata would be up there too, but once you get the movement right its not too bad (okay its still bloody difficult but where talking relatively here!)

cheers

dmk

[burstroman]

     In earlier generations, the Fantaisie in C major, Op.15 was considered the "acid test of the virtuoso".

[mikey6]

Although i have never played them, i have heard the Abegg Variations are of extreme difficulty in sections.

I've been playing the abegg for quite a while and thy're not too difficult - just quick fingers and characterization which i guess you need for all Schumann.
The gmin Sonata is a pain!! it's extroardinarily fast! (and faster and faster) and the last movement has some pacing issues.
But i'd probably agree with the fantasie.

[presto agitato]

What about of his Allegro Op 8, im learning it ans it not easy at all ¡¡¡

[hodi]

schumann isn't easy in general. his music is unpianistic at all

[iumonito]

For me, mechanically the second sonata is the hardest.  There are difficult jumps in Op. 17 and Paganini in Op. 9, but they are isolated.  Op. 22 is all hard.

I don't find Kreisleriana difficult at all.  I think Op. 12, Op. 6 and Op. 9 are each more difficult than Op. 16.

From an interpretation point of view, I think the Noveletten Op. 21 (all pieces as a cycle) is the hardest.

[thierry13]

What about of his Allegro Op 8, im learning it ans it not easy at all ¡¡¡

It's not really that bad compared to the other pieces ... tocatta is a lot worse than this.

[practicingnow]

Toccata

[steve jones]

I just started looking at the Fantasie Op17. Looks pretty tricky, but then again Im finding alot of stuff tricky these days!

[thierry13]

I just started looking at the Fantasie Op17. Looks pretty tricky, but then again Im finding alot of stuff tricky these days!

The first movement isn't really that bad but ...its wonderful. THAT is magnificient music.