Prokofiev and Liszt Concerto Comparison

[superman1980]

Which is harder (technically and musically)?

Prokofiev's 3rd piano concerto (in C major) or Liszt's 1st piano concerto (in Eb major)?

[stravinskylover]

Just a bit of advice, many people here don't like it when you ask things like this. I learned that the hard way...

But I think the Prokofiev is harder.

[redbaron]

They're both piano concertos. They're both written by men who are now dead. They're both very difficult.


I think that covers the comparison.

[j_menz]

I learned that the hard way...

I thought we were very gentle with you.  

@ OP - You signature says you are doing the Liszt, so just have a look at the Prok, try a read through and that will answer your question.

[classicalnhiphop]

prok way harder sir

[visitor]

Musical
Liszt = 14 banana
Prokofiev= 11 banana

Techincal
Liszt = 11 banana
Projofiev = 14 banana

*note-for scale 1 banana = 2 plantains

[bencollisonmusic]

Hello,

Depends on your background to be honest. I think technicality is irrelevant since their are concertos and meant to be technically difficult. But understanding the phrasing and the music is a whole other level of performance.

For example, since I'm mainly Hungarian (with some others including Russian), I believe I would be able to relate stronger to the Liszt Concerto then the Prokofiev Concerto.

When looking at any piece to work on, the question should no be "which is more difficult", but "which can I love more and get involved more and master the most through a strong connection and love to the piece". I think you should listen to several recordings of both and see which piece moves you and draws you in more then the other.

If you already have some emotional connection and understanding of the piece before even starting to work on it, then you are at an advantage. Instead of focusing on the phrasing (which will come much more naturally), you can put your time and effort to drilling out the techniques.


Hope this helps. Your welcome to message me if you have any questions.

-Benjamin Collison

[pianoman1349]

For me, having played the prokofiev 3rd and Liszt 1 for several years now, including with orchestra, they're both difficult.

I first learned the prokofiev when I was 11 ... it's doable as long as you have a decent technique.  In particular, the first movement is really one of the most approachable 20th century concerto movements in the entire repertoire (it's difficulty for me was similar to the 2nd shostakovich).  The second and third movements are significantly harder, but still doable with enough practice.  For me, the second movement was the hardest, as it features the most technical demands.

The Liszt is also not as hard as it looks on paper.  It can be successfully learned and mastered in a few months, especially on a high-school academic schedule.  However, one must be warned that the Liszt features significantly more exposed passages than the prokofiev.  That being said, it is my favorite concerto of all time, and always have a blast playing it (I actually made my orchestral debut with this concerto).