Chopin Sonata No.2 Op. 35

[Troldhaugen]

Is it perfectly acceptable to play just one movement of his sonata for the recital (not the solo recital by the way)? for example,  like just doppio movimento....I know one should play the entire sonata....otherwise it wouldn't be complete. But it seems like his sonatas in general somewhat lack coherence among different movements so I thought maybe I could play just one movement as an individual piece. Can I make such an exception? Will this jeopardize the integrity of the piece?

[sirpazhan]

No way it will not jeapordize the sonata.... its perfectly fine,, look at it this way... most sonatas are long,, -- beethovens appasionata is around 25 mins,, and so on,, so its fine just to play one movement..,, its not like you're putting on a solo concert (that will be a little different).  I myself have done recitals where I played just one movement of a 3-4 movement sonata.

funny thing is:  Most people dont even know complete sonatas, unless they are classically educated, for instance, Moonlights 1st movement is well recognized,, when I would play the sonata completely, most people would become confused later asking me "what piece did you play after?" its funny sometimes.

[SteinwayTony]

Is it perfectly acceptable to play just one movement of his sonata for the recital (not the solo recital by the way)? for example,  like just doppio movimento....I know one should play the entire sonata....otherwise it wouldn't be complete. But it seems like his sonatas in general somewhat lack coherence among different movements so I thought maybe I could play just one movement as an individual piece. Can I make such an exception? Will this jeopardize the integrity of the piece?

As long as it's not a solo recital, you'll be fine.  You said that sonatas may "lack coherence among different movements," and that may be true to an extent, but how do you think the Funeral March became so popular? 

[Troldhaugen]

Thanks guys for the suggestions.

You said that sonatas may "lack coherence among different movements," and that may be true to an extent, but how do you think the Funeral March became so popular?

I meant if you look at the sontata individually they are great works. It's just that when they're put together, I don't immediately see the one big picture like I do with other composers' sonata...I guess Chopin wasn't the most gifted person with sonata...but truly amazing piece indeed.     

[vivacelife]

I think it will be fine. Many people do that also.