need help getting to the next level

[gschnettler]

Hi.  I posted this in the Repetoire forum but then realized this is more of a student forum post.

I consider myself an intermediate pianist.  I can play just about anything in the Schirmer Sonatina book without much difficulty as well as the Bach 2 part inventions, the first part of the Moonlight Sonata and some of the slower Chopiin and Scriabin preludes.  I also play a lot of new age piano solos.

I would like to play the faster preludes and etudes by Chopin, Rachmaninov and Scriabin.  I dream of playing Chopin's Scherzo #2 someday.  But, those pieces are too advanced for my current skill level.  For example, I can play the first page of Rachmaninov Prelude Op23 #5 but then I really struggle through the next part.  

So, I am looking for some things to practice that will get me to a more advanced level.  I was thinking of perhaps trying some Sonatas by Beethoven, Mozart, Hadyn, Schubert and Schumman but I'm not sure where to start.  I prefer music that has some excitement or mystery.  

Can you please recommend some pieces that are somewhat difficult which will better prepare me for Chopin, Rachmaninov and Scriabin (and perhaps Lizst someday).

Thanks,
      Gary

[qpalqpal]

Challenge yourself with for example, Chopin nocturnes, like Op. 9 no. 2, and Op. 72 no. 1 (its better )

Begin with the sinfonias so you can get on with the WTC

Liszt Consolation 1
Chopin Prelude 11
Hummel Op. 125(Try this out, I haven't, but it sounds like a lot of fun, and VERY rewarding)