How long do you suppose it takes to learn all of the Beethoven Sonatas?

[asuhayda]

This is not really a specific question per se..  I'm always fascinated with the sheer volume of music that concert pianists are able to learn in what seems to be, a relatively small amount of time.

I'm just curious if anyone knows how long it takes concert pianists to learn and record entire collections of music? Months? Years?

[blazekenny]

This is not really a specific question per se..  I'm always fascinated with the sheer volume of music that concert pianists are able to learn in what seems to be, a relatively small amount of time.

I'm just curious if anyone knows how long it takes concert pianists to learn and record entire collections of music? Months? Years?

That depends on the level you may want to perform them. For example, Barenboim had complete Beethoven sonatas recorded when he was 19. Rather mediocre performance, but hell, he had the 32 in his sleeve already. Now in 70, he is able to give top notch performance of all 32 sonatas in just one week. I suppose it takes a lifetime to learn all Beethoven sonatas on a big level.

[evitaevita]

I suppose it takes a lifetime to learn all Beethoven sonatas on a big level.

I absolutely agree!