I can't think of what else to learn...

[cjcarrington97]

Hi, I am posting this in hope that you can recommend me some pieces to learn in order to 'challenge' me. In terms of my background, I have played things like Mozart's K.333, and movements to various Beethoven Sonatas, (including Pathetique, Op.31 etc)  I have no real experience in Chopin etudes and so think it'll be wise to start off with his Op.10 No.6 so I have less of an excuse to get annoyed and give up with myself when things aren't going my way haha.

I want to learn at least 6 pieces over the summer and have come up with the following through this ratio:
(3: Challenging, 2: Interpretive, 1: Easy and Manageable)

2: - Mozart K.281 3rd Movement
    - Bach Prelude and Fugue BWV 847
1:  Beethoven Sonata No.20
3: Chopin Op10 No.6
...but I need 2 more!
(of course I'd rather you give me as many recommendations as you like so that I have more choice!  )

[pianoman53]

Do you have any Schumann? If you don't, maybe his second Romance, from op 28? He wrote pretty many pieces, where you don't really have to play the whole set. Something from Fantasiestuck would also be an idea, and maybe even better than the romance.

To have a Haydn sonata is also always good.

Maybe that Chopin study, and one "real" chopin study. Either op 12/10 or 12/25 are quite good to start with, since they sound quite okay already from the beginning.

Maybe you should give a bit more complete repertoire list, of at least the composers you've played?

[cjcarrington97]

Hi pianoman53 - I don't have much Schumann at all actually...other than his Op.22 sonata (which I love, but I want to gain a little more technique before I consider something like that [learning that is!]).  I know virtually no Schumann
I will definitely look into the Romances from Op.28, (I have never heard of them so am listening to them as I write!). I actually quite like Schumann so if you have any other suggestions for him then that'd be great!

I have a book of Haydn Sonatas from 1-29 and never really gave them a second glance which I'm regretting now... Are there any from 1-29 that would be the most rewarding, (As I have only listened to very few of Haydn's Sonatas)

It's funny because I was actually considering learning the revolutionary and learned a few bars scattered throughout the piece. I just doubted myself that I could learn it so I left it for an easier one so that if I learn it all, I will have some confidence to go on to learn more, (considering this will be my first Chopin etude to learn ever!). I quite like Op.25 N.12, but I think it's too difficult for me right at this moment and so don't think I'm ready for that.

In your interest, I'll try and give some info on what's in my, (or was at some point), repertoire:

Beethoven Moonlight 1' & 3', Op.31 n.1 1', Op.13 1' 2'. (I've sight read 3' a few times), Op.49 N.2
Mozart - (I can generally sight read them all at ease), K.333 1' 3', K.545, K.570, K.457 1', I did nearly finish his Fantasy in D minor quite a few years ago...
Chopin - Prelude 4,6,7,20,22. Nocturne Op.9 n.2  (I find I struggle to understand Chopin a lot).
Bach P&F BWV 871, 875, 847
They are the main composers at which pieces that come to me off the top of my head...
Hope this helps! 

[ale_ius]

1

Babajanian - Elegy [in the memory of Aram Khatchaturian (melody after Sayat)]

2

Sauer - Etude No. 26 (in B-flat)

3

Mignone - Valse No. 12 (Valsa de Esquina No. 12)

[patrickd]

Medtner

[ajspiano]

It's funny because I was actually considering learning the revolutionary and learned a few bars scattered throughout the piece. I just doubted myself that I could learn it so I left it for an easier one so that if I learn it all, I will have some confidence to go on to learn more, (considering this will be my first Chopin etude to learn ever!). I quite like Op.25 N.12, but I think it's too difficult for me right at this moment and so don't think I'm ready for that.

25/12 is painstakingly challenging to play well, however, in the same way as 10/1, ASPECTS of learning this incredibly challenging piece are easier because it is simple to read and memorise.

In regard to the revolutionary, Dima suggested a very wise preparatory path in this post.
https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php?topic=51601.msg561482#msg561482

Either way, I would not go thinking that 10/6 is at all easier than either of the above. Its heavily dependent on your individual skill level in a variety of areas. That piece requires a very refined touch and a well developed ability to control dynamics between voices.

...

I would suggest adding some of the missing beethoven movements so as to be able to perform complete sonatas.

And, adding some different composers to your list, and without over stretching yourself.. do more pieces that are a bit easier.

Have a listen to the liszt consolations, debussy's childrens corner, the Gershwin preludes, anything baroque that isnt also bach... such as scarlatti sonatas, some of pachelbels fugues..

....

You could hit some preperatory etudes to chopin with a bit of dedication, you'll thank yourself when you get there. Hummel...

Moszkowski Op 72
https://conquest.imslp.info/files/imglnks/usimg/e/ee/IMSLP112168-PMLP07151-Moritz_Moszkowski_-_15_Etudes_De_Virtuosite__Op_72.pdf

[musickid10]

I would recommend giving some of the easier Rachmaninoff preludes a try. Also, his Elegie Op. 3 No.1 is less well known but it's absolutely beautiful (an exciting performance piece as well)

Bach Italian Concerto mvt. III is also really fun and exciting.

[j_menz]

what's in my, (or was at some point), repertoire:

Beethoven
Mozart
Chopin
Bach

Work on expending outside that list. Of the 6 pieces, all but one should be by somebody other than those four. Three of the pieces should be by somebody who is alive, or at least was at some time in your life.

This will not only broaden your repertoire out from what's a pretty narrow one, but expose you to different techniques or give you unexpected insights into the ones you have.

[iquinn876]

If you enjoy Schumann, I'd give Kinderszenen a try. It would be easy for you at your level, but very nice pieces and they are fun. Kinderszenen is a set of 13 pieces, it's not written for children as the title may suggest. My personal favourite is the first one (and the only one I learned ) From Foreign Lands and People.

https://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=dxz2UfCYtQk&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3Ddxz2UfCYtQk

[cjcarrington97]

Oh wow I really wasn't expecting so many comments! Thank you!! 

After reading them all I think j_menz's and ajspiano's comment has provided some kind of an epiphany on how much I need to expand my repertoire. Of course I still want to stay classically based but I realise that not only do I need to widen in this whole genre of music, but perhaps rag/jazz/contemporary also to provide a bit of a change.
I really like the Elegy ale_ius posted and even though I listened to the rest of the links and personally, didn't really find them as interesting... So I've realised I really need to rethink my whole list for summer pieces because staying rooted in Mozart and Bach isn't really going to be doing me any favours in the long run. (Of course that's not to say I rule them out).
I do really want to give Schumann a try and the Kinderszenen would probably be the best introduction to his music for me personally since I don't want to jump head first playing his more difficult pieces as the first ones I learn. Though I did realise perhaps the Abegg Variations would serve as a good challenge for me actually... Any opinions? I am willing to provide more background info if that helps.
 

[ale_ius]

Oh wow I really wasn't expecting so many comments! Thank you!!  

...I really like the Elegy ale_ius posted and even though I listened to the rest of the links and personally, didn't really find them as interesting...

I am happy you liked it. I think the Elegy is the 'least interesting' but has a really pretty memorable melody.

Perhaps this will speak to you more, I really like this piece (for many different reasons), I printed this out today with hopes of doing a read through/playing of it myself soon:

the middle section plays like a certain famous Scriabin etude

[iquinn876]

I have to say this is the most beautiful composition I have ever heard. I love this piece so much! If only I could reach a tenth. *sigh*

[cjcarrington97]

Haha well each to their own I guess ale_ius. And funnily enough I did quite enjoy 'Poem', especially the Scriabinesque section in the middle - I wonder which was composed first because it'd be interesting if it was the Poem

I have comprised a final list, (at least I hope), for those of you that are still interested. It took a lot of going back to the drawing board but eventually I got it!

Sonata No.3, Op.20 - Hummel
"Just the way you are" - Bruno Mars, (I figured learning a little 'recent' music can't be a bad thing  )
The Entertainer - Joplin
Revolutionary Etude (Op.10 N.12) - Chopin
Kinderszenen - Schumann (I'm going to learn 6 first, and then hope to finish them off next month)
Perpetuum Mobile - Weber

I think I've finalised. If any of you have any more suggestions, I'd love to hear.
Thanks!!