Playing the Chopin Sonatas (other massive works)?

[chopiabin]

How much expeience does one need to pull off any of the movements of his last two sonatas (except the Funeral March)? Has anyone played the 5th polonaise? What did you do before playing it?

[thracozaag]

How much expeience does one need to pull off any of the movements of his last two sonatas (except the Funeral March)? Has anyone played the 5th polonaise? What did you do before playing it?

I always found the 2nd more awkward and difficult to play than the 3rd, athough there are pianists (such as Horowitz, for example) who feel the other way.  

[Beet9]

These are both mature works.  I would not dream of starting these until I had a completely developed technique.  That said, I think the 2nd is more difficult. (especially the last movement!)  But the 3rd is more enjoyable. (the last movement rondo kicks total butt!!)