Schubert Sonatas

[chopinlover96]

Which Schubert Sonatas do you think would be accesible for a Grade 8 student? I do like the Sonata in A major D664 do you think that would be accesible.I have played Schubert Impromptu Op90 No4 if thats any help in guessing my standard.

Thanks in advance!

[beebert]

Well, yes if you think you can

Seriously thoug, which movement are you talking about? Are you talking about the whole sonata? Because in that case, the first and third movement will have its challenges, though not impossible at grade 8. For example, the first movement has some big chords that are difficult for someone like me who has relatively small hands. The third movement is technically the most difficult one. Some fast arpeggios and scales, but if you practise your arpeggios and scales in all keys it will be manageble. The second movement shouldn't technically be a problem at all, though it is one of the most beautiful sonata movements in history, so musically its very demanding, but if you have the music inside you and can express your love for it, the piece is perfect..

How about trying the second movement of the D959 Sonata (also in A major)?  It actually isn't as difficult as it sounds(though the middle section needs some pracitce, but once again it is only arpeggios and scales pretty much), and it is beautiful piece of music and sounds impressing technically too if that's important to you Once again it is musically very very difficult though, and shouldn't really be played if you don't have a real connection to it...

Cheers!

[chopinlover96]

I was thinking the whole sonata but particularly the 1st Movement. The 3rd sounds quite tricky

[beebert]

It is possible, second mvt shouldn't be à problem. Firat mvt, Will be hard but manageable:) good luck!

[bachbrahmsschubert]

All of the Schubert sonatas are difficult to some degree, some more than others. His music is some of the most difficult to play on the piano because it it so transparent, similar to Mozart. It looks manageable to the eye, but it is very difficult to bring out a clear, concise melodic line. Speaking specifically of the final G major sonata. The notes are very easy to manage, it's the sound that is nearly impossible to grasp at an elite level. I honestly don't know how Richter plays it at the tempo he does, but manages to keep such a gorgeous sound without allowing the piece to fall apart!

That nonsense out of the way, the little A major sonata would work for you (I am not one to reduce individuals to pointless grade levels). The third movement sounds tricky, but it really fits under the fingers quite well.

All the best,

[squarevince]

All of the Schubert sonatas are difficult to some degree, some more than others. His music is some of the most difficult to play on the piano because it it so transparent, similar to Mozart. It looks manageable to the eye, but it is very difficult to bring out a clear, concise melodic line.

Very well put.  The notes of the Schubert sonatas are generally easier to learn to play than Beethoven Sonatas, but it's much more difficult to play most Schubert beautifully.

You might want to try the A-minor #14 (D784).  It has some of the most beautiful, saddest chords in E major you will ever hear (page 2).  If you're the type of pianist who likes to coax beautiful melodies from the keys, then it's a great one to learn.

cheers,
vince

[beebert]

I still think it's a good idea to start off with the a major sonata D 664 and then, if you are really into schubert, as soon as possible, try the slow mvts from either the d 959 or d 960. Don't bother if people say "you should have played this or that first", if you understand the music, you do!

[kevinr]

I would have a look at the B major Sonata. (I can't remember its D number offhand but there's only one in that key.) Beautiful work (especially the slow movement with some startling key shifts in the last page) and not all that often played.

I agree with Vince about the beauty of D784 but I think its very difficult, especially the final movement, and there are some hellish octaves in the final few bars.

[prongated]

That nonsense out of the way, the little A major sonata would work for you (I am not one to reduce individuals to pointless grade levels). The third movement sounds tricky, but it really fits under the fingers quite well.

I cannot agree more regarding grades - utter cash-cow scheme veiled in the name of education.

But I don't quite understand how the 3rd movt. fits under the fingers quite well. You must have great physical facilities, because, as far as I can recall, the only harder Schubert passages than these can only be found in the Wanderer Fantasy (the end of the 3rd movt. in particular, the jumps in which are next to ridiculous). At least, I happen to find them a good challenge for sure.

But this is not to discourage the OP of course - this is wonderful music that is definitely worth a try at his/her level!