Classical sonata for university entrance exam

[ialbertovich]

Hi, I will be applying to university for piano and one requirement for the entrance exam is to play one slow and one fast movement of a classical sonata. I was thinking of playing 2nd and 4th movement of Beethoven's Sonata No.1 in F Minor or 2nd and 3rd movement of Haydn's Piano Sonata in e, No.53, Hob.XVI/34. Would one of these be a better choice than the other?

[ivorycherry]

I generally like the Beethoven a lot more and think it’s a better choice(mostly because I played all four movements). I think it’s a better choice plus the 4th movement is really cool. Also I really don’t like Haydn so it’s kinda personal. Just an opinion but not really any advice you should follow.

[brogers70]

I love both those sonatas, but I think the Beethoven is more impressive if you can play it confidently.

[anacrusis]

Of the slow movements, I think the Haydn is possibl a richer piece of music, but harder to pull off well. And of the fast movements, the Beethoven is more exciting if you can play that one with appropriate gusto!

Keep in mind that juries at universities hear tons of pianists with fabulous techniques at auditions, so what probably will impress them more is if you can do something moving/exciting/interesting/of a high musical quality with whatever repertoire you select. So I would advice you to pick something that suits your temperament/musical strengths.