Cello Piano Recommendation

[olle]

Hello everyone!
Although I am quite occupied by my current pieces, I like to plan my future repertoire.. And I'm thinking on a new Cello Sonata. Maybe somebody could give any recommendations? I know that there are other threads concerning this topic, but I wanted special recommendations, based on my repertoire. What I am working on currently:
Franck: Violin Sonata
Brahms: 1. Cello Sonata
Chopin: 1. Ballad

The Cello Sonatas that I know and appeal the most to me are the 2. Brahms Sonata, Chopin, Rachmaninoff und R. Strauss Cello Sonata.
Could someone tell me which piece should be possible for me and rate them in difficulty order? That would be very helpful..

[richard black]

Don't know the Strauss, but of the other ones you list the Rachmaninov is by far the hardest. The Brahms F is quite a lot harder than the e minor, but neither's really back-breaking. The Chopin is tricky. If you can nail the Franck violin sonata and the Chopin 1st Ballade I wouldn't expect any of those except the Rachmaninov to give you trouble.

[olle]

What a pity.. Rachmaninoff was my favourite  
It's not like the Franck and Chopin are easy pieces for me, both very challenging.. The Brahms e minor isn't much of a problem though. But when you say Rach is harder than Franck, I think I'll try the F Maj. or the Chopin then, maybe somwhen when I look for a big challenge I might try Rach
I recommend to at least listen to the Strauss Sonata, great piece as well!

[invictious]

Not sure if you mean the cello part or the piano part.

Rachmaninov's Sonata for Cello and Piano is not that difficult for cello. The piano part is quite difficult though. It is an absolutely lovely sonata though.

The Brahms Cello Sonata in F (op. 99) is rather massive and a great challenge to both the pianist and cellist. The fourth movement is awesome though.

His other Cello Sonata in E Minor (op. 38) is not as difficult in my opinion. The second movement is lovely, even though it is rather simple.

Chopin's Sonata for Cello and Piano is written rather awkwardly for the cello, and the piano part is also very challenging. Wait until you get to the fourth movement, which is also my favourite.

I have not played the Strauss Cello Sonata before so I cannot inform you on that.

[richard_strauss]

Just as a suggestion: have you looked at Schubert's Arpeggione Sonata? It would be a nice progression from Brahms.

[charvin]

Rachmaninoff is the most difficult and showy for the piano.

If you're OK with something other than a sonata, look up Chopin's Polonaise Brilliante for cello and piano. It's a catchy show piece.