Three questions - Beethoven Sonatas

[elsie07]

1. I do understand that the answer to this first question is very subjective.  But, I still want people's opinions on it.  Does the first movement of the Pathetique require a lot of upper body strength?  I would like to learn it, since I learned the second and third movements already (2nd in college this spring, and 3rd a few years ago for exams).  However, I dislocated both my shoulders a few months ago and I have very little upper body strength.  I think I do better with pieces that are not so fast, loud, and long, such as the 2nd movement of the Pathetique.  If the 1st mvt was fast OR loud OR long, I would be ok, but I'm a bit hesitant to take this movement on if I don't have the strength for it.  I would hate to risk injury again.  I think I just answered my own question...but comments are welcome nonetheless.

2. The other two sonatas I'm considering (in place of or after I finish the Pathetique) are Op. 26 and Op. 2/2.  I'm wondering, what are the technical challenges in each of these sonatas?  For example, the first movement of 2/2 requires even 16th notes in the left hand.  I'm not going to base my decision entirely on this, but if possible I'd like to select a sonata that will (a) use the technical strengths I already have, and/or (b) help me improve strengths I don't have but need.  As far as musicality goes, expressiveness of the melody, etc. I like Op. 26 better, but I also am curious about the technical challenges.

3. I am hoping to perform a solo recital (my first!) in Fall 2009.  I want to play a Beethoven sonata, and my first choice is Op. 26 (second choice is 2/2).  Considering that I have about fifteen months to finish preparing my program (some of it will be material I have already learned, and some will be new material - like the sonata), would you recommend that I go straight to that sonata rather than waiting until I finish the Pathetique, if I do finish it?  I do want to finish it someday, but perhaps I should wait until a later time.  That'll also make my life much easier when it comes time to finish preparations for the recital.

Thoughts, anyone? By the way, I do have a teacher at college.  But we won't choose repertoire until early September probably, and I'd like to have a general idea of what I want to learn this fall, so I can present my ideas to him.  He usually lets his students choose what to learn, although he does give good input and takes into consideration the technical and musical maturity of each student when choosing repertoire.