Saint Saen's Concertos vs. Waldstein

[Irock1ce]

Hey everyone, I havent posted here in a while (school and college apps) but as I finished my last recital before my senior recital (i played gmin prelude-rach) I realized that I must make a decision on what to play for my senior recital. Currently, I am scheduled to finish the Waldstein (i played the 1st movement over the summer)... but I am thinking about maybe instead playing a Saint Saen concerto.. possible no.2 or 4. (prob 2 movements) or the Grieg op. 16 PC. What do you guys think? Are those concertos considerably harder than the Waldstein? Keep in mind that this will also be my first concerto i will have ever played.

thanks!

[Spatula]

How Ironic.

Please read the topic about SS' Concerto ownz all. 

Oh my God, I am talking da snizzle like sum rappn hommie down with my peeps bling!

[Dave_2004_G]

Dunno about the Saint saens, but the Grieg is not as hard as the waldstein

Dave

[Spatula]

Isn't the Grieg the more "junior" concerto compared to pretty much all the other concertos out there?

Sure it's still hard in its ways, but probably the best to start out on.

[jcromp78]

The Grieg is definately the easiest to learn in the quickest time. If you have the technical ability to handle the Waldstein then it will be easy for you. The Saint-Saens (any of them) take fleet fingered agility to make them effective. They are not the most beautiful works out there but definately worth hearing and playing for the pianism and excitement.

[Irock1ce]

hmm. i guess my piano teacher has a diff. opinion. She thinks that the Grieg is actually pretty hard for a first concerto. Shes trying to get me to play one of Mozart's piano concertos (no.25 or an early one) or Chopin Concerto #2.

[jcromp78]

Yes definately the Mozart would probably be better for starting out on PIano Concertos but the Chopin No. 2 is way too difficult. This Concerto imho is one of the most challenging in the Romantic Concerto repertoire. The last movement especially contains much difficult passagework.

[Regulus Medtner]

I believe you should stick with the Waldstein. It rivals many concerti in sheer impact and musical value. If, nevertheless, you're set to play a concerto, I'd still say to opt for Beethoven and play the 3rd concerto. Grieg is accessible as well (mind, not easy).

[apion]

I believe you should stick with the Waldstein. It rivals many concerti in sheer impact and musical value. If, nevertheless, you're set to play a concerto, I'd still say to opt for Beethoven and play the 3rd concerto. Grieg is accessible as well (mind, not easy).

The Waldstein is one of the top 10 piano sonatas ever written; but the Saint-Saens piano concertos 2 and 4 are also very excellent.  It's like apples and oranges to compare them.  But the Waldstein is a no-lose choice.

[steinwayguy]

The Waldstein is one of the top 10 piano sonatas ever written; but the Saint-Saens piano concertos 2 and 4 are also very excellent. It's like apples and oranges to compare them. But the Waldstein is a no-lose choice.

You're a little late, champ.