Chopin Sonatas

[akonow]

So I recently discovered Chopin's second sonata op. 35 and I absolutely fell in love with the first movement. I was just wondering what you guys thought was the approximate difficulty of this movement and/or the whole sonata. Also, how difficult is this sonata compared with the other two? I know that this may be subjective but it helps me to know my limits haha. If you can answer any of my questions you would make me very happy. Thank you.

[thierry13]

This sonata is very, very difficult. I guess it's only slightly easier than the 3rd one, but not by that much, and of course it's subjective. It definitely is a highly rewarding musical achievment to play it! It has it's technical problems, but the major part of the difficulty is the phrasing and the structure of the piece. Good luck if you want to attempt it!

[popdog]

I really like the second sonata.  Not that's of any help to anyone...  I imagine it would require both massive technical and musical skills to pull off. 

[birba]

The difficulty lies in the development of the first movement, the scherzo and, of course, the 4th movement.  Needs complete piano technique. For me, much more rewarding than the third.  Dont know the first.  Heard it once and fell asleep.

[thierry13]

For me, much more rewarding than the third.

I can't agree with that. Both are masterpieces, but I think the 3rd has something more than the second, as a whole I mean. I can't say I like better the first movement of the third better than the first movement of the second, but I think the 3rd sonata has a better whole than the second.

[birba]

I think you're right in the sense that the third sonata is, in fact, a more traditional treatment of the sonata form. More "complete" in a certain way.  But the second sonata, at least the way I feel, is a more concise, almost leit-motif based composition.  I mean, the first movement sounds like he just "spit it out".  Really amazing.  The first movement of the third sonata seems to ramble on and on.  I think I like the scherzo best of all.  This is all very much a matter of opinion, I know, and Im certainly not one to say one sonata is better than the other.  But you have to admit, the second is the more popular.