Beethoven Sonata

[sarah14]

Is the sonata movement Op. 2 No. 1 movement 4 considered a difficult piece? thanks if advance!!

[j_menz]

It's rated as Grade 7, I think.  Some people consider that difficult, and others do not.

[teran]

Every Beethoven Sonata is difficult, doesn't mean you shouldn't try it though.

[maestro57]

Every Beethoven Sonata is difficult, doesn't mean you shouldn't try it though.

The first half of your statement - couldn't be truer. The two "student sonatas" (Nos. 19 and 20) are undoubtedly the easiest of the 32, but they aren't easy.

So, I'd imagine Op. 2 No. 1 would be difficult... that is, unless you're a superstar, but we don't know what your background is. To Barenboim, the Hammerklavier is easy. To me... well... you get the idea

Edit: but to give you an idea, Henle (the publisher) rates it a level 6 out of 9 for difficulty, with 9 being very difficult.

[sarah14]

Thank you very much for your reply (and also the others). I learned the first movement, and my teacher assigned this piece as a bit of a challenge before I start the other two movements. So far it's going well with the fourth movement, it just takes a lot of good technique to play it correctly. Thanks everyone for answering my question!! I really appreciate it!