Piano Forum

On an unrelated sidenote, which Sonata is a good starter (presumably it should be one of the first 5)? I think #8 is beautiful, and #10, but these 2 are probably rather difficult.

Number 8 is possibly the most difficult due to its complexity. I'm considering learning it over the winter, the double notes are an issue as well, and in some instances like John Ogdon there's a tendency to simplify by using 2 hands for those runs in order to achieve a fantastically fast tempo. I've recorded and performed the bulk of the others but this one makes me uneasy. I'd always tell people to start with Sonata 2 or 9.

Editions, I used Schirmer in the past, but lately i grew impatient with their translation of Scriabins markings into english from french. I find that alienating. I used Peters for a while, but it's over edited. I used Peters to prepare for a performance of some of the mazurkas of scriabin and shortly after went out and bought the Dover.

I find the Dover edition to be clean and i prefer no fuss and no input from editions because i've been in love with this music since i was about 16. The Dover edition for the Sonatas one has one setback which is that it's a physically reduced score, so mor page turns if you are learning it from the piano and score standpoint. For me, Dover is perfect because i usually commit music to memory before taking it to the piano.

Könemann is the same as Dover in most aspects in my experiences.

I looked at the Barenreiter edition, but despite the publicity that Hamelin has attained by lending his invention to the editorial field, i'm not too attracted to his input. I'm learning op.39 by Rachmaninov right now, and I know Hamelin has edited that for Henle so i should make comparisons once i get more of the work learned.

Can someone explain what's wrong with the Belaieff?

I don't think they have an extensive catalogue or are available. I have the score for the piano concerto by that publisher.

I think #8 has some of the most delicious chords penned by Scriabin.

Yes, harmonically 6, 7 and 8 are like drugs and narcotics to me.

2) Individual Henle editions of the sonatas.

I had the Henle when i was learning Sonata 6 a couple years back, although i doubt i had a strong attachment to the ideas in it. I can't say that for me personally the fingerings among other things were worth any kind of detour, I probably used my bland Shirmer at the time.