Rachmaninoff's Sonata Op. 36 No. 2 - am I ready?

[unravelled]

Hey guys.

So I've been listening to this sonata for a few weeks now, and I seem to enjoy its ferocity more and more with each time I listen to it. I think it really demonstrates the power of Rachmaninoff.

To my slight surprise however I found that this piece is listed in the FTCL (3rd level diploma) and, though I was always aware of its difficulty, I didn't know it was that demanding.

I've played quite a lot of the Rachmaninoff preludes - I'm not saying I play them all perfectly (Op.3 no.2, Op.23 no.1/no.5/no.7, Op. 32 no.10/no.12)  - and the first two minutes of his first piano concerto. But that's all I've played of Rachmaninoff. So in light of this, should I be looking at his etudes or other works before I consider this beast of a sonata?

Thanks in advance! 

[chapplin]

The sonata is my Teachers worst nightmare along with Liszt sonata H moll.
Just saying.

[j_menz]

So in light of this, should I be looking at his etudes or other works before I consider this beast of a sonata?

1. Get the score.

2. Play through it once or twice.

3. Ask yourself, "Is it doable?"

4. If Yes, go for it; if No then consider what parts of it are the problem and look for the Rach or other etudes that will develop that aspect of your playing, do them, then rinse and repeat.

[cmg]

4.  then rinse and repeat.
[/quote]

LOL!

The Sonata is a bear and a half.  Truly brutal.  Many a stalwart pianist has foundered on those shores.  But the above advice is as good as it gets.  Follow it.  Then rinse and repeat.  Repeatedly.