Questions about concertos

[abe]

Well, my teacher and I have decided its time to move on to another concerto--right now I'm considering either Saint-Saens no. 2 G-minor (movement 1), or Schumman A-minor (movement 1 i think).

So I have a question. Which is harder? I know this shouldn't determine which one I choose to play, but I am curious nonetheless.

Also, not being very familiar with the Schumman, is there a cadenza in the first movement. I really should get a recording.

Any other thoughts on the concertos?

Thanks for the replies,
--Abe

[steinwayguy]

I don't know all that much about the Saint-Saens, but I know it is quite difficult, and I also know I have a very strong aversion to Saint-Saens.

Which prompts me to say do Schumann. Yes it has a cadenza, yes it is extremely difficult, surprisingly so, but it is manageable. You'll definitely want to play this piece if you hear Richter play it with Matacic!!

[abe]

Thanks for the reply!

I really do want to get a recording of the Schumman, I'll check out Richter. Why are you averse to Saint-Saens? I really like the aforementioned concerto of his.

[aki]

I definetly prefer Schumann's first over Saint-Saens.  I got a recording of Murray Pehria playing the Schumann, and I think it's quite good.

[pianonut]

if you like astronomy, play the saint-saens.  if you like poetry, play schumann.  that's my take.  i like saint-saens toccata (sounds kind of jazzy) and his allegro appasionata (reminded me of looking up at the stars).  i've only played one piano concerto (prokofiev) and found that it was easier (pattern recognition and how it fit in the hand) than some romantic pieces.  i'm older now, and tend to like more melodious things, so I'd probably pick the schumann now.

[maxy]

Schumann is harder.  The cadenza is lovely.

[jason2711]

however... if you're looking to make an impression... it might be easier to do the saint-saens since the schumann is apparently more 'overplayed'.  This alone shouldn't determine your choice... its just maybe one thing to consider.  I'd say listen to them both and if one stands out to make you feel 'That's amazing... I want to play that... NOW!!!' i'd say go with that one

[apion]

Well, my teacher and I have decided its time to move on to another concerto--right now I'm considering either Saint-Saens no. 2 G-minor (movement 1), or Schumman A-minor (movement 1 i think).

So I have a question. Which is harder? I know this shouldn't determine which one I choose to play, but I am curious nonetheless.

Also, not being very familiar with the Schumman, is there a cadenza in the first movement. I really should get a recording.

Any other thoughts on the concertos?

Thanks for the replies,
--Abe

Both concertos are comparably difficult.  However, limiting the inquiry to first movements only, I would say the Schumann is more difficult.  The 2nd movement of the Saint-Saens is definitely more difficult than the Schumann counterpart.  And the final movements are equally difficult, and equally glorious.