Can I have some recommendations?

[at4550]

I've been playing piano on and off for about three years. I guess I would categorize myself as low-intermediate. I'm not currently taking lessons.

I'm looking for some new classical pieces to try out. To give you a better idea of where I'm at, I have been working on and am almost done with Beethoven's Op. 2 No. 1 sonata (though the fourth movement is out of my league - at least up to tempo), C.P.E. Bach's Solfeggietto, and Scarlatti's K.19 sonata.

Beethoven is far and away my favorite composer. I would love to be able to play many of his piano sonatas in the future, especially the late ones.

So what pieces do you think I would enjoy playing at this point?

[pianiststrongbad]

I honestly have no idea as to which pieces you would enjoy.  But, if you like Beethoven, then why not keep playing his stuff.  He wrote 32 sonatas.  Though the late sonatas in my mind are extremely difficult.  I would stick to the early ones for now. 

[at4550]

I honestly have no idea as to which pieces you would enjoy.  But, if you like Beethoven, then why not keep playing his stuff.  He wrote 32 sonatas.  Though the late sonatas in my mind are extremely difficult.  I would stick to the early ones for now. 

I don't expect anybody to have 100% confidence that fireworks will shoot out of my pants playing any particular piece... just any conjectures based on what information I've given are welcome.

You're right about the late sonatas - they're definitely not within my grasp right now. They're just an ultimate goal. I would like to play the easier ones in the meantime.

So, speaking of, do you happen to know of some of the easier Beethoven sonatas (besides the Op.49 ones).

[bernhard]

Have a look here for an ordering of the Beethoven sonatas in order of difficulty.

https://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,2748.msg23723.html#msg23723

You may want to have a look at Beethoven’s “Six Ecossaises” WoO83 – a most exhilarating piece and far easier than it sounds. And also his Bagatelles – all delightful pieces and not that difficult.

For more suggestions on the intermediate repertory in general, heave a look here:

https://pianoforum.net/smf/index.php/topic,5986.msg58774.html#msg58774

Best wishes,
Bernhard.

[rlefebvr]

I also love Beethoven, although not really for his piano music as much as the whole spectrum.

My daughter is currently working on a short Bagatelles that is fun and haunting at the same time. I don't remember a thread speaking about his Bagatelles.

Are ther a lot of them. Can they be found in one edition and how hard and long are they in general.

What is a Bagatelle anyway....

[bernhard]

The word “bagatelle” means something trifling or negligible. When applied to music, it means a light, short, whimsical piece. In Beethoven’s time, the concept of a short, technically undemanding piece, which concentrated on a single idea, was relatively new. The emphasis is more on lyricism than on the development of ideas.

Beethoven composed several bagatelles (most collected in three sets: op. 33, op. 119 and op. 126).

Most of them are late compositions, when Beethoven was a thoroughly accomplished composer. So despite their superficial simplicity, there are some very deep levels of musicality lurking there if one goes looking for them.

And of course, Fur Elise is a Bagatelle.

Best wishes,
Bernhard.

[wynnbear]

I've been playing piano on and off for about three years. I guess I would categorize myself as low-intermediate. I'm not currently taking lessons...

...Beethoven is far and away my favorite composer. I would love to be able to play many of his piano sonatas in the future, especially the late ones.

So what pieces do you think I would enjoy playing at this point?

Opus 79 in G is a good one and not too tricky. 

The third movement introduces a two against three pattern that can be a little tricky at first.  You'll probably need to practice this movement hands separately until each is close to flawless and then bring the hands together.   At least that's how I did it.  This was my first experience with this pattern.  It's a common rhythmic pattern in other, more-advanced works and this is a good introduction to it.

[at4550]

Thank you to everyone who replied for your input. I am now working on Beethoven Op. 79 and will probably throw in a bagatelle as well - I like the sound of Op. 33 No. 2.