Beethoven x Mozart?

[onwan]

I'd like to play some sonata next year. I've already started with Mozart sonata K310 first movement for a competition. But the next two movements seem to be much harder than the first one. I was thinking about Beethoven Moonlight sonata-the first two movements are not technicly hard, the only probleme it the third movement. Do you think that Beethoven sonata is easier than Mozart sonata? Could you compere the third movement of Moonlight to the second and third mov. of Mozart sonata?

[ianw]

In Australia the AMEB grades the first movement of the Mozart at 8, and the first movement of the Beethoven at 7. The complete Mozart sonata is included in the Licentiate syllabus, which is their highest level. AMEB doesn't grade the whole of the Beethoven sonata, but the Royal conservatory does and includes it in their Associate Diploma syllabus. This is one step below their highest level (Licentiate).

Note if you are using Android there's a free App called Piano Syllabus over at Google Play with all this info.

[awesom_o]

The middle movement of Beethoven op. 27 no. 2 is extremely difficult technically.
Unless you want to play it badly. But if you are interested in playing badly, then everything is easy.

[piano51]

I've played the whole Beethoven and the 1st mvt. of the Mozart, and I found the Mozart to be on a whole new level. I think it requires much more attention to detail and is just harder than the Beethoven imo.

[le_poete_mourant]

Comparing the "grades" of these pieces isn't very useful.

I've played the whole Beethoven and the 1st mvt. of the Mozart, and I found the Mozart to be on a whole new level. I think it requires much more attention to detail and is just harder than the Beethoven imo.

This doesn't make any sense to me ... you should, in theory, pay as much attention to detail in Beethoven as in Mozart...

I would suggest sticking with the Mozart, or picking an earlier Beethoven sonata before starting with the Moonlight sonata. perhaps pick another Mozart Sonata. K 310 and Moonlight are both jumping into the deep end.

[piano51]

Comparing the "grades" of these pieces isn't very useful.

This doesn't make any sense to me ... you should, in theory, pay as much attention to detail in Beethoven as in Mozart...

I would suggest sticking with the Mozart, or picking an earlier Beethoven sonata before starting with the Moonlight sonata. perhaps pick another Mozart Sonata. K 310 and Moonlight are both jumping into the deep end.

Let me rephrase that... I guess what I meant was more that I think you can get away with a little more in the Beethoven without it sounding like crap. That doesn't mean that it doesn't require attention to detail, I just think it's easier to play at a good standard than the Mozart.

[teran]

I wouldn't underestimate the 2nd movement of Moonlight if I were you, I honestly find it more awkward than the 3rd for the most part.

I would say the barometer for you comfort in the Moonlight's 3rd movement would be the development section, if you can manage it, I don't think you'll struggle with the rest of the piece.

Of course it does vary from person to person, but there are some really unnatural moments in it, which are exacerbated by the speed at which you have to play.

But yeah, I wouldn't say that the 2nd movement isn't technically hard, it is far harder than it sounds. Not harder than the 3rd sure, but it's not an easy path to the finish line. :3

[symphonicdance]

Beethoven Moonlight is tough in a sense that so many great pianists have played before, and we would probably have one or two favouite versions in our mind.  You might get seriously benchmarked against Brendal, Gilels, Arrau, etc.  Beethoven PS #5 in C minor Op 10 No 3 or #27 in E minor Op 90 may be easier.

It's technically less challenging to play Mozart, but if one has to make the Mozart sonata sound really Mozart, that's a lot effort.  Nevertheless, Mozart K310 had also been played by many great pianists, too.

It's good fun to explore pieces, you'll learn a lot quickly:  not necessarily that you will be able to master all of your shortlisted pieces, but hopefully you'd enjoy the process and experience.

Any way, so many classical sonatas to explore.  Have you looked at Haydn and Schubert, too?

Good luck.