beethoven sonata to do for a concert

[concorde331]

Hi everyone, I'm going to give a concert at the end of this year.  I want to include a beethoven sonata, but I'm not sure which one I should do.

My main concerns are:
1.  is it too difficult to learn in one year
2.  would an audience like it?

I have learned and performed the 1st mvmt. of the moonlight, and the 1st & 2nd of the pathétique, but I have a feeling these are played too often and an audience might want to hear something less commonly played.

Please give me suggestions.  Thanks!!

[kelly_kelly]

I really like the lesser known op. 31 sonatas (especially no. 3). Op. 22 is unfairly neglected- practically nobody plays it, bt I think it's a great piece. Slightly better known is op. 26, which is absolutely beautiful. If you want something easier, then the op. 14 sonatas are also nice... But I guess it also depends on the rest of your program.

[concorde331]

Thanks for the suggestions!!  I was thinking the appassionata or waldstein, but those might be too tough and too well-known.  I also like the c minor op. 10.

[gerryjay]

hi concorde!
first and foremost: welcome!

about your choice, you said that what you played from beethoven are opus 13 first and second, and opus 27/2 first, right? if that's your level of repertory, i'd tell you to get away from the opus 31 sonatas, and much more, from opus 53 or 57. those five sonatas are way harder than the ones you mentioned.

kelly have pointed out the coolest possible choice: opus 22, the most neglected of beethoven's sonata, and a very interesting one. anyway, blame on me, but i haven't much to say about how complex or not it is.

anyway, if you are able to play waldstein, why not opus 101? i feel that lately people are not playing it very often, and it's a major work by him.

best!

[invictious]

Try the Sonata No.12 Op.26 in A-flat major, it is around the same level as the pieces you are playing.

[concorde331]

OK, thanks everyone.  I have a piano lesson today, and I'll talk to my teacher about what would be my best choice.  Just to let you know, my level IS above the pathetique & moonlight..but I suppose I might not be ready for the waldstein.

[gerryjay]

hi concorde!
if you are above opp. 13 and 27, you're probably able to try one of the opus 31 sonatas. the second, although a wonderful work, is often played. the other two are somewhat neglected, at least in comparison to the mainstream sonatas.
best!

[welltemperedpianist]

Hey
As Gerryjay recommended, if you're looking for a sonata thats not often heard at the level of Waldstein/Appassionata, I would definitely take a look at Op. 101 -- it's a fantastic piece (in fact, I want to learn it)

But from just reading that you've learned Moonlight and Pathetique, I'd say hold off on those enormous and difficult sonatas-- I would recommend any of the Op. 10 (No. 2 is particularly effective), Op 14, Op 26 (andante con variations), and any of the Op. 31 set. I'm re-learning Op. 31 No. 3 in fact, and it's quite fun to learn-- particularly the Presto.

One other piece that's overlooked that I really love is Op. 27 No. 1 Quasi une Fantastia (?). I like this piece more than the Moonlight Sonata... definitely take a look at it, it's a really effective and beautiful sonata.

Hope that helps!

[gerryjay]

dear wtp:
yeap: opus 27/1 is a great choice as well, more or less the same level of its twin sister, isn't it?

dear concorde:
about opus 101, i forgot to warn something: start with the last movement. the others make you think: why people consider this sonata so difficult? because it's not...then you start playing them...eventually, you reach the last movement, after a couple of weeks, and then - suddenly then - you prompt realize why people consider this sonata so difficult...
(based on a true, and personal, story  )

best!

[concorde331]

I had my lesson today, and my teacher gave me a book with the first 15 - I think through op. 28 that is.

She also gave me some good suggestions - I know these are easier but she said they sound fantastic.
Op. 10 no. 1 (C minor)
Op. 10 no. 2 (F major)
Op. 14 no. 1 (E major)
Op. 14 no. 2 (G major)
A friend also suggested Op. 2 no. 1 in F minor.

Thanks for all your suggestions!!  I'll definitely listen to & try out some of these!! 

Of the ones I've listed above, are there any that particularly stand out or that people really like?  I know they're all level 7 but I don't mind a fairly easy one if it's a really good one.

Thanks again everyone!

[sharon_f]

Op. 10, No.2. A delightful sonata full of unexpected humor. The first movement has all those wonderful Beethoven touches including a quirkly, noodling little theme and sudden changes in dynamics. The second movement is very mysterious in tone, not really a scherzo, perhaps a minuet and trio in disguise? I love the finale that starts like a fugue and then just falls in on itself. The young Beethoven at his most optimistic.

[dozapp]

opus 2 no 1 is my third favorite beeth after les audieux and appasionata

the fourth movement can be a little tricky and make sure to make it smooth.
Also don't listen to amateur recording of 2/1 because many people play the last movement as if it were bach but it should be played very smooths.

[cherub_rocker1979]

I really love Op. 27 No. 1 as well as Op. 78, Op. 81a, and Op. 90.  These are all 16 minutes in length or shorter.