Is it that hard or is it me?

[mrdaveux]

I have been on Chopin op.35 for three weeks now, and let me tell you, this sonata is harder than it sounds! And I thought it wouldn't be so bad, as I'm also doing Chopin Scherzo #2 and Etude op.10 #3, and they both are coming OK.

I don't have any problems with the 2nd subject, which in spite of tricky coordination issues yields well to practice, but the 1st subject (right after the intro bars)... I can span a tenth with my LH, and still the accompaniement pattern sounds messy. As for the RH double notes, well, I have been practicing fast-slow-fast-slow, but I cannot go through the movement without making several mistakes. I find it difficult to be very accurate with the RH in that passage, especially considering that the character of the movement demands to let go and play with abandonment (at least in my opinion).

For anyone that has played it, do you think it's hard or do I practice the wrong way? Any tips on how to handle the passage with security and accuracy? Thanks.

[nicco]

Do you think its supposed to be easy?

[phil13]

The 2nd Sonata is one of Chopin's harder works, on a level way above that of the 2nd Scherzo or the E major etude. Give it a lot more time.

Phil