A bit of Beethoven and Chopin

[chopin4life]

Hi everyone!

I'm about to start studying a part from a Beethoven sonata, but of course as Beethoven wrote 32 sonatas it's a bit diffucult to choose. There are still the following options: part 1 from op 31 no 2, part 1 from op 31 no 3 or part 1 from op 90.
It's the first time I'll play a beethoven sonata but that doesn't meen it has to be easy 
Please compare them.

Furthermore I am studying Chopin's 3rd Ballad but I've got some technical troubles with those rapid arpeggiated chords and octaves.
Can enybody give some advice how to study this part of that magnificent piece?

[mjames]

God they're boring

How about you play some Liadov instead?

[chopin4life]

I don't think you should call Beethoven or Chopin boring 
Liadov is nice, but I can't just go from one piece to another..
Please just reply to my questions and thank you in advance.

[ale_ius]

If you'll play a sonata please play a sonata. Not just "a part".
This is nice

[maestroxviiofno]

You ever considered playing Beethoven's Piano Sonata in F# Major, Op. 78?   I think its op. 78 at least.   I never played it but it's been one of my favorites for a long time.    Plus its only 2 movements, and kind of short.....    Good luck!

[pianoplunker]

I don't think you should call Beethoven or Chopin boring 

I cant help it, but the dreaded second movement of Moonlight Sonata is very boring to me, to play, or listen. Notice how nobody on Piano street ever talks about the "second" movement of Moonlight sonata, only 1st and 3rd ?  My opinion aside, it is still worth doing it though. Teaches patience and character. and teaches you to prevent your forehead from hitting the keys as you fall asleep

[ale_ius]

I cant help it, but the dreaded second movement of Moonlight Sonata is very boring to me, to play, or listen. Notice how nobody on Piano street ever talks about the "second" movement of Moonlight sonata, only 1st and 3rd ?  My opinion aside, it is still worth doing it though. Teaches patience and character. and teaches you to prevent your forehead from hitting the keys as you fall asleep

that 2nd movement is my favorite of the three actually. I love that little thing! I find myself humming it all the time in passing. Just yesterday even.  I also firmly believe it is the most difficult. I recall struggling with this in lessons and stage performance and juries the most of the three when I studied it (still got good marks but they had the most to say about it. very tough school standards ).

for those still thinking that lovely little 2nd mvnt is bor.....

 
-Alee Marie

[visitor]

 

[chopin4life]

Eventually I went for no 5.. Little pathétique    (and actually it isn't even shorter than the real pathétique)

[kitty on the keys]

Ballade:    On the first page, you can take the octave passage with 2 hands.
                The arpeggiated section.....you can also divide them between the hands
                On the last page, you can take the decending broken chord with two hands.

Kitty on the Keys