I didn't know this thread got resurrected. I already made my journey into the Appassionata for the first time. I performed it a few times (just the first movement), and was told I played it very well for a student. My teacher would not, however, let me play it in any competitions due to its fame and the fact that I simply wasn't old enough or mature enough to play it like an artist. I have decided to content myself with the first half of the sonatas for the next few years (Op. 26 right now, then probably either Op. 7 and/or Op. 2 No. 3). I also completely disagree with "numbering" the sonatas by difficulty. I think it all depends on your strengths and weaknesses. If you can't do tremolos, Pathetique may be one of the hardest things you come across. On the other hand if you can't shape a phrase to save your life, the first movement of Op. 26 would be incredibly hard for you. Difficulty is entirely relative to the performer and the context. If you had to prepare Piece A in two weeks for performance, but had six months for Piece B, Piece A would probably seem like the more difficult of the two at the time. If you've practiced a certain technique to the point where it is second nature to you, then you probably will never have a lot of trouble with that technique again. The Beethoven Sonatas are works of art, and I am of the opinion now that it really degrades them in a way to order them by something as trivial as difficulty (do you think Beethoven wrote each of his students a list that said "you must play this sonata before you are ready to this sonata?"). For awhile I thought things can and should be graded on difficulty, and in reality it was just to make me feel better that I was playing a certain piece. The Sonata Op. 26 isn't as "high up on the list" as other sonatas I've worked on, but does that mean I'm not allowed to play it? I feel like these lists scare students away from the easier works that are true gems of the set. Sorry if I went on a little bit of a rant, but these sorts of things have really come to bother me. I meant no offense to anyone, and am truly sorry if any was taken.Sincerely,John
You can have all 32 ready using 2% of talent and 98% of dedication.