Learning two pieces -- same time?

[corecase]

Hi all.  I started working on Liszt's La Campanella a few weeks ago..  At this point I'm a little past the second repetition of the main theme.  I was wondering if you guys think it would be a good idea to start learning Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 at the same time.  I love both pieces equally, and I'm really interested in learning HR 2 ASAP!  Do you think I should concentrate on one piece at a time (considering that they're fairly difficult pieces), or would it be okay to learn both at the same time?

[davidjosepha]

Learning multiple pieces at the same time is always a good idea, I think, although the piece selection matters. Learning two pieces not only from the same period, but the same composer, and that are similar in style, is, in my opinion, not the best idea. Based on your signature, it looks like you're lacking in the department of things that aren't Chopin, so why not throw some Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, or something 20th century into the mix? Or even a romantic piece that isn't as similar in style to Chopin or Liszt, if you really can't stand baroque or classical.

[scherzo123]

Yes because La Campanella and Hungarian Rhapsody No.2 are quite different in my opinion. Go for it anyways! 

[corecase]

Based on your signature, it looks like you're lacking in the department of things that aren't Chopin, so why not throw some Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, or something 20th century into the mix? Or even a romantic piece that isn't as similar in style to Chopin or Liszt, if you really can't stand baroque or classical.

True, based on my signature it looks like all I play is Chopin, haha.    But, I've played many pieces from other periods as well in the past, although I've forgotten most of them unfortunately..  It's true that I really like the Romantic era, but I also like music from other eras -- I agree that I should add some to my repertoire.  Thanks for the reply.  I mainly wanted to know if it's a good idea to learn multiple pieces simultaneously, and it looks like it is, so that's great. 

Yes because La Campanella and Hungarian Rhapsody No.2 are quite different in my opinion. Go for it anyways! 

Haha, I might do that, or I might leave HR for a bit later, I'll see.   Thanks for the reply.

[lloyd_cdb]

I tend to work on my one difficult piece, and then work on 2-5 other random easier pieces that offer different techniques I need to improve upon.  It usually helps to take a break from the difficult piece to stay sane.  I can't say I've ever worked on 2 difficult pieces at the same time, though.  Just as others have said, I would definitely try to find a piece that differs drastically in technique, if for anything just to give your hands a break.

[david456103]

By all means go for it. The techniques of HR2 nicely complement those in campanella, and vice versa

[chopin2015]

*cough cough* Schubert *cough*

[corecase]

Good advice, everyone.  Thanks.

[asuhayda]

oh God, I just got light headed... both of those pieces are sooooo beastly hard!  Some day I'm going to figure out what it is about La Campenella that everyone likes so much.  I personally do not care for that piece.  It's prosaic and ostentatious in my opinion.  Each to his own though.

HR 2 is hard to play well.  Especially the Friska section.  Learn that part first.  You'll blast through the Lassan really quickly.

Might I also recommend checking out Hungarian Rhapsody #13?  I LOVE this one.  My four favorites are 2, 11,13 and 15. I've played those 4. #2 is definitely the hardest of that group.

BTW, you and I have similar interests in Repertoire.    Except, lately I've been getting really into Bach... I think I'm getting old or something.

Good Luck with learning these pieces!