Which is harder? Chopin-Etude op no. 4 or Beethoven-Moonlight Sonata 3rd mov.

[arren31]

Mainly, the people who I want to vote, are the ones who has experience in playing both these two pieces, for better results. And thanks for anyone voting in advance .

[pencilart3]

I presume you mean Chopin Op. 10 No. 4. In which case I would definitely say that 10/4 is harder for me. But it is completely subjective. I also think that 10/4 is more musically challenging, and probably more technically challenging for most people also.

[pjjslp]

I know you prefer to hear only from people who have played both, but I'm going to weigh in anyway. I'm working on the 3rd movement of the Moonlight right now, but I just looked at the Chopin score and can say with near 100% certainty that the Chopin is more difficult.

[chopinlover01]

They're quite different in terms of how they are difficult, but my guess is that the level of technical preparation and learning time for Op. 10/4 is FAR greater than that of an early Beethoven showpiece.

[lostinidlewonder]

The Beethoven imho is more problematic to master. The Chopin etude is tricky but it's so short by comparison once you solve a few hurdles it will fall into place.

[ignaceii]

Comparing an etude with a sonata part seems a bit ridiculous.
What brings us this question ?
What aims this question.
Short. Try first always the etudes, before performing an interpretation piece like a sonata.
Ok, the Chopin etudes are more than just etudes but still, they remain exercises.
Beethovens 3rd mvt must be integrated in the whole piece.

Non-relevant question

[ianzilla]

Why is this even a question?  The 3rd movement moonlight does not even come close to Chopin's 10 4 in terms of basically every aspect besides length. And it's not "subjective."  The 3rd movement is part of a middle tier Beethoven sonata after all

[briansaddleback]

Let me give you an example how you need to contort your fingers and hands with 10-4 in a clear, slow manner so you can see what you need to do, starting at 0:48

He's showing us how it should look doing it slooowly.



Imagine how it would contort you when at full tempo.



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I leave it up to you.  

[pencilart3]

I'm sorry, but yes it is subjective.

[pianoworthy]

Chopin is much more challenging. The Beethoven is difficult but requires a logical technique, and isn't too difficult to learn and practice. The technique required for Chopin however isn't even obvious in the first place, and takes very careful slow study on how to move the hand and practice properly.

[visitor]

they both have a difficulty level >9000

[pencilart3]

LOL visitor where is your gif?!

[visitor]

LOL visitor where is your gif?!

power was too high, there are no systems those of the IMF [impossible missions force] agency that can handle it. just a courtesy 'shadow' of the powerful gif to keep our devices from blowing up.

[pencilart3]

Ahhh, I see. Thank you for clarifying.

[briansaddleback]

Just the enormity in terms of length / duration of the third movement requires a mature level of stamina and mental focus. It is a tour de force. However any casual piano student can dish out some rendition of it. It is more accessible and the main thematic technique can be quickly learned and applied to the whole piece. Or , quickly hastily learned or not learned well but you'll be still able to recognize that they got the piece in their hand to some degree

10-4 has an entirely different assessment of difficulties. It is not highly accessible bc although at first glance the score doesn't provide any look of real difficulties, but as you go through really learning it you will encounter dozens , yes dozens , of different obstacles and problems you will need to engage and address whether successfully or not.  Lot of it is things you need to do quickly in transition. This is a big thing. Especially if you want to make the piece sound like one seamless piece. Another is the working of chromatics that do not just run up or down in one continuous stream but are broken up you really need to delineate fingers negotiations at times   Amongst other things.
At times I feel I can accidentally hurt my fingers on this piece and at all times I feel highly unstable when playing it. I never feel secure. Maybe it is just my progress level on it but I believe it is a universal feeling perhaps.

[stevensk]

I have played them both and would say that the Chopin op 10 no 4 was much harder FOR ME.

[ignaceii]

Why is this even a question?  The 3rd movement moonlight does not even come close to Chopin's 10 4 in terms of basically every aspect besides length. And it's not "subjective."  The 3rd movement is part of a middle tier Beethoven sonata after all

As I said.