rachmaninov piano sonata no. 1

[MattL]

I have always likeed this piece, more so than the second sonata, and i was jsut wondering what your opinions are on this piece and maybe some reasons why you think the second sonata is just so much more popular than this amazing work.

[arensky]

The 2nd Sonata is more direct, and the virtuostic aspect is more prominent. And Horowitz' advocacy of the 2nd Sonata made it popular, almost anything he played became popular. Except Clementi, explain that one...

[donjuan]

Hi Matt,

I actually started a thread, comparing the two Rachmaninoff sonatas.  Have a look:

https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php/topic,10762.msg110779.html#msg110779

This was quite a while ago, and since then I have started to study the 1st sonata.  I love this piece too, even though it is a little general in its structure. (I hear Rachmaninoff himself wasnt satisfied with it) However, I love the big buildups in the first movement, the melancholy tone of the 2nd movement, and that ending of the third movement sends chills down my spine (the only piece other than Appassionata that does so).  My only complaint is the repetitiveness and coincidental length. I think Rachmaninoff could have compacted his ideas a little better. 

Honestly, I find that 2nd sonata just confusing.  Maybe I'm just not smart enough to enjoy it..

I think the 2nd sonata is more popular because it's weird and people like weird music.  The first sonata makes so much more sense to me in terms of the rhythm and harmony, but that 2nd sonata has some dissonant chords people never get bored with.  Oh yes, and I agree with arensky about Horowitz making things popular.  That's another reason.

Do you play any of the sonatas?

[MattL]

I love them but I m going to wait to pick up one until I think that I am better suited for one of them, I am pretty sure tis going to be the first though. I have playd mnya rachmaninoff preludes and one etude Op. 33 no. 8 and right now i am working on Chopin's First Ballade, so i am hopin that i will good enough to play one of them soon.