Schumann's 3rd sonata

[cloches_de_geneve]

I am puzzled by the following: Maybe my taste is very unusual, and I may be the only one to think that way, but of the three Schumann sonatas

1. f# minor (op. 11)
2. g minor (op. 22)
3. f minor (op. 14)

(this is the official classification, I know it doesn't make sense chronologically)

I find the last one so much more interesting, impressive and beautiful than the first two. However, I hardly ever see it played in concert (it used to be one of Pollini's favorites, and there is also a good recording with Horowitz, but these are exceptions).

I am wondering why ... perhaps the vast majority of concert pianists finds the first two superior -- fair enough. Or there is something terribly difficult about performing No. 3, so that most pianists shy away from it.

Any thoughts about this ?

[pianowelsh]

Isnt the f minor the concerto sans orchestra?? accounting for the odd chronology, length of work and difficulty of the piece. Agreed it is wonderfull. My old housemate was learning this in his spare time when doing Masters, not sure If performed it yet??

[jakev2.0]

I agree that it is the best Schumann Sonata. I love the work.

Horowitz's Carnegie Hall performance is incredible.

[cloches_de_geneve]

It's called sonata op. 14 or concerto sans orchestra, alternatively. Originally, it was called concerto, when it was first published in 1835. But in 1853 Schumann published a revised edition in which he added a scherzo. The latter version appeared as "sonata". I think these days it is sometimes played with, sometimes without the 2nd movement (scherzo). Taking the second movement out makes some sense -- it is already very long without it. 

[hodi]

I agree that it is the best Schumann Sonata. I love the work.

Horowitz's Carnegie Hall performance is incredible.

i disagree
the 2nd is the greatest i think
it's the sadest one too.

[thierry13]

wrong person, sry  ^^