Is tha Pathetique really a no-no for Dip.ABRSM and ATCL?

[seb1982]

Hi all!  

I'm hoping to try for the Dip.ABRSM and ATCL diplomas next year.  I'm in the final stages of putting a programme together, but I've heard a couple of people warn me off from playing the Pathetique Sonata, because it's so overplayed.

Unfortunately, this is one of my favourite Beethoven sonatas, and I would *love* the opportunity to spend time learning it properly and in depth.  I was just wondering if it really is a bad idea to play it, or if a lot of these rumours are people who don't really know what they're talking about, spouting rubbish!  

Just in case you're interested, my planned programme is:

Dip.ABRSM:

Bach: Prelude & Fugue in G Minor (WTC 1 BWV861)
Schubert Impromptu in Gb Op.90 No.3 D899
Beethoven Pathetique Sonata
Ravel Sonatine

ATCL:

Bach: Prelude & Fugue in G Minor (WTC 1 BWV861)
Schubert Impromptu in Gb Op.90 No.3 D899
Beethoven Pathetique Sonata
Chopin Ballade No. 3

If the Pathetique really is a bad idea, my second choice would probably be the F major Sonata No.6, Op.10 No.2;  or maybe the Sonata in E Op.14 No.1

Any advice would be gratefully received!  Thanks ever so much  

[j_menz]

I've heard a couple of people warn me off from playing the Pathetique Sonata, because it's so overplayed......

I was just wondering if it really is a bad idea to play it, or if a lot of these rumours are people who don't really know what they're talking about, spouting rubbish!  

The latter.  Anybody who says "X is overplayed" should be immediately discounted as an authority, or even worth being seen with.

[faulty_damper]

If you can play it well and musically, and have the stage presence to sell it, then play it.

But know that you will be easily compared to others and any poor musical choices will be immediately apparent.  That's why people say not to play popular music, because of the ease of comparison.