First Beethoven Sonata

[llamaman]

I'm looking to start a Beethoven sonata (a complete sonata, not just one movement) Possibly grade 8 RCM, 6 ABRSM range. What one would you suggest I start with? Any works by other composers in the same sort of style would be good too.

[phil13]

I would definitely go with Op.2, No.1, in F minor. Perfect for your level.

Phil

[llamaman]

Thanks for the suggestion. The first 3 movements look at about the right level, fourth movement looks a little more difficult.

[zheer]

I would definitely go with Op.2, No.1, in F minor. Perfect for your level.

Phil

   That was the first sonata i learnd, it is reall worth spending some time with it , its fantastic and it demands respect, the 4th MVT sounds harder than it really is . Go for it.

[allthumbs]

I did the Op.49, No.2, Sonata in G major for my Grade 8 RCM exam, then I learned the second movement on my own. I still enjoy playing this piece.


Cheers

allthumbs

[steve jones]

I love this sonata, its one of my faves. I too will start it at some point, but the fourth movement is technically beyond me at present. The fast arps are the killer!

[drjames]

I am working on Op. 2, No. 1 right now. Have been for 6 months and will be for another 6 months as practice time is severely limited.  I started with the 4th movement and it really does come together with a lot of practice and patience and then it is quite fun to play.  I am having more trouble with the first movement as I don't really care for it. But who wants to learn only three movements of a sonata (unless that's all there is.) Jim.

[pianalex]

op 14/2  in G

[phil13]

op 14/2  in G

This is a good one, and not played often, but it may be a little too easy. I still stand by Op.2, No.1.

Phil

[kriskicksass]

Go after an opus 49 or an opus 14. I don't care if the notes look too easy for you. Beethoven's pianism isn't something to jump right into, and if you have the time it's always best to do one of the 'easier' sonatas first.

[dmk]

This is a good one, and not played often, but it may be a little too easy. I still stand by Op.2, No.1.

Phil

individual movements particular 1 & 2 rotate from grades 6-8 across various boards in the English (ABRSM) style system

If you are grade 6 under the English system I would recommend either of the op49 sonatas.

op 2 no 1 is harder than these.  If the two op 49 ones are genuinely too easy for you (which I don't think they will be) then you can cruise through them, add two extra pieces to your repertoire and then move on to the op 14 sonatas or op 2 no 1

enjoy, they are wonderful works

dmk

[BoliverAllmon]

he does make a good point. increase the repertoire.

[phil13]

Go after an opus 49 or an opus 14. I don't care if the notes look too easy for you. Beethoven's pianism isn't something to jump right into, and if you have the time it's always best to do one of the 'easier' sonatas first.

This is true, as are the statements after it. Op.49 No.2 was my first Beethoven sonata, too.

I guess it comes down to experience. My best friend plays piano as well, and his first sonata was Op.2, No.1 after about 7-8 years of playing. How long have you played, Llamaman?

Phil

[I Love Xenakis]

Maybe look at the Sonatinas, or you could always go with the very popular Moonlight Sonata.

[phil13]

Maybe look at the Sonatinas, or you could always go with the very popular Moonlight Sonata.

Moonlight is almost halfway up the list of Beethoven sonatas in difficulty. That third movement is by no means easy. (Not the hardest either, but Moonlight is definitely above the Grade 6 we're looking for)

Phil

[pianalex]

i disagree that 14/2 is 'easier' than 2/1,  the dev of section of i is a bit of a bugger, and iii played to speed and with full grasp of across the bar rhythms is no picnic.  The interpretative requirements are more subtle and forward looking (middle movements conscious archaism excepted) than the rather haydnesque sturm and drang of the f minor. no?