Prokofiev sonata no. 3

[pianogeek_cz]

I was talking with my teacher about what I should choose as a 20th century piece to play. We both arrived at Prokofiev. I suggested the Visions Fugitive. She sugested the Sonata no. 3.  I must say I'm pretty baffled, because I always thought the Prokofiev sonatas are quite a bite even for a mature pianist... However, I admit I've never seen the sheets for this particular one. (As a side note - anyone have those? ) I'm now listening to the sweetie, and I can't really decipher how much fiendishness it conceals...

So, ad 1) How difficult is it, compared to, say, Chopin first ballade? Is it manageable, or, better, advisable for me to do, if I'm roughly at the level of the ballade (e. g. in the process of learning the notes, some 3/4 through after three weeks of work)?
ad 2) What are some of the main technical problems out there? I guess massive chord-work, leaps, runs, pretty much everything, maybe except for repeated notes... anyway, any constructive specifications appreciated. And recommendations for preparatory pieces Most Wanted! 

Thanks!

_____________
P.S. The sheets... Yeh I know I'm bothering you, but pleeease... they are nowhere to be found... 

[pianogeek_cz]

Update: nevermind the sheets.

No reaction whatsoever? 

[verywellmister]

There are repeated notes.

I myself have never worked on it, but it's a great piece.

[pianogeek_cz]

Yeh, found that out (done a bit of research, listening with the score etc....), but they aren't too nasty... Don't sound or look too nasty, that is.

But I'm sure there's more to be said... 

[franzliszt2]

It's a tricky piece in places, but once you get used to the writing it gets a lot easier. Practice it slowly, and get really good solid fingerings down, and all will be fine 

[pianogeek_cz]

Okay, now, could this thread actually get helpful (thanks, Franzlist2...)?

[invictious]

Why not try playing the piece once, all the way through non stop, then tell us how it goes, circle the places where there are problems.

EDIT: 300th post.

[pianogeek_cz]

Done that yesterday evening.
The problem is, well, it's all really weird, reeealy confusing in places... I didn't find any obvious system to stick to, but that's probably just my inexperience with Prokofiev's music. I guess it's really a matter of getting used to the style. Figuring out the fingering and movements will probably take longer than actually mastering passages.
I think I'll wait with the sonata and do a few Visions Fugitive first... Recommendations? 

[invictious]

Try the Four Piano Pieces.

Particularly the Suggestion Diabolique, some essence of Prok in there. The Prokofiev sonatas contain the true essence of Prokofiev-ness, along with the concertos.

Try out his Visions Fugitives too.

[verywellmister]

Perhaps Sarcasms, Op.17?
VFs are also recommended.
or try Sonatas 2, 4, or 5, or Suggestion diabolique (fun, fun).