Beethoven Sonata Op. 2 No. 1 or Op. 13 ?

[soxos]

Hi,
i want to play either Beethoven Sonata Op. 2 No. 1 or Op. 13.

I'd like to know which sonata you like more. And why?
Also which of them you think is more difficult and which technique is to use
particular for Op 13 - 3rd mvt.  and  Op. 2 No. 1 - 1st mvt ?

Thanks in Advance,
soxos

[havisham]

I love both of these movements.
I am currently learning Op.2 No.1 1st Mvt for my grade 8. It's fun and not very difficult.

I have never played Op.13 3rd Mvt but going by the sound of it, it certainly sounds more challenging,  it's much longer and more intense than op.2 #1. Though from looking at the sheet music it looks like the type of piece that isn't as technically difficult as it sounds but it certainly needs a lot of dynamics and expression!

Try both and see what you'll know which one you prefer!

[thesixthsensemusic]

My favourite is the op. 13, by far. It even comes close to being my favourite Beethoven-sonata. Regarding playability, I'd say the first movement is not even that difficult technically, but it's physically challenging. To simply keep up playing the fast paced double bass notes requires quite a lot of stamina. Except if you're lucky enough to have a piano with a light touch.

The second movement however, is really docile and still a very rewarding piece to play despite it not being too difficult. Playing it expressively is quite a challenge though because it's so subtle. The third movement is charming and much more upbeat, and quite easy to learn and play without hitting wrong notes, but it's even more challenging than part II to play expressively.

[felipe717]

My favourite is the op. 13, by far. It even comes close to being my favourite Beethoven-sonata. Regarding playability, I'd say the first movement is not even that difficult technically, but it's physically challenging. To simply keep up playing the fast paced double bass notes requires quite a lot of stamina. Except if you're lucky enough to have a piano with a light touch.

The second movement however, is really docile and still a very rewarding piece to play despite it not being too difficult. Playing it expressively is quite a challenge though because it's so subtle. The third movement is charming and much more upbeat, and quite easy to learn and play without hitting wrong notes, but it's even more challenging than part II to play expressively.

Between Op.2/1 and Op.13, I choose Op.13. That's because I already play Op.13 and I love it, even though it's still a little difficult for me.

I also think that the 1st Mov. is just extremely challenging! Just hit all the notes is so hard, then you must perform it... It's very, very difficult, and I do play it but with several mistakes, especially at the development section... 
The 2nd Mov. is quite easy technically, but you need a lot of expression to play it well. The key of A flat is simple (I prefer flats than sharps) and with a little dedication you'll get it, but you'll need much more time to perform it musically. 
The 3rd Mov. is the only one I can't play from the beggining to the end - perhaps beacuse I just "stopped" studying this one. It's a nice Rondo, with stormy and beautiful sections but it needs a lot of attention and dedication, because, even though it's simple, it requires expression (but I don't think it needs much more than the 2nd Mov. ) and ability.

Op.2/1 is quite nice, but I haven't played it all (only the 1st Mov.) I think that this sonata is easier than Op.13, however as I don't play it yet, I can't say... The 1st Mov. is simple but the development section gave me A LOT OF problems!!! It was so hard for me that I almost left the study of the sonata. But, anyway, now I can play that, but I'm still a little "stuck" it the trills' section... 
The 2nd Mov., to me, is HARD (of course, I haven't played it yet) because it must require a lot of expression and many passages aren't that simple... The 3rd is quite simple and seems to be easy but the Trio section has double notes passages with the right hand that are a little hard...
And the 4th Mov. seems to be very, very difficult, 'cause it needs much vigour and musical maturity to get nice. The triplets aren't too hard, but nevertheless they're tricky.


At last, if I were you, I'd choose Op.13, that, IMO, is harder both technically and musically than Op.2/1. If you want a great "adventure" that will improve very much your technique, choose Op.13. If you want a fun trip through the first Beethoven Sonata, that will show you the meaning of first difficulties, choose Op.2/1.

Hope I've helped!