Beethoven Sonata Op 109

[ferx.-]

I want to learn Beethoven's Sonata Op 109 as it is an extraordinarily amazing piece but it seems that there is some sort of stigma around Beethoven's last 3 (maybe 4) sonatas. I feel that I'm technically proficient enough (some pieces I've studied are Beethoven's Waldstein sonata, Chopin's 1st and 4th Ballades, and Ravel Une Barque Sur l'Ocean), however, I've seen many times that these last 3 sonatas shouldn't be attempted until a certain age regardless of maturity. Does anyone have any thoughts on this? Should I just wait as there is no point in rushing to play it? Does anyone know of any alternatives? I am an 18 year old student. Thanks so much.

[pianistavt]

I think that's more applicable to the last 2 sonatas than the last 3.  It's just that there are musical challenges and it takes either extensive experience or great musical intellect (or both) to be up for the task of solving them.  The first two movements of Op109 are more or less standard Beethoven, in the 3rd mvmt he goes in some new directions.  I wouldn't wait if you are feeling the call.

[jamienc]

Go for it! These days I don’t think the “age” issue with late Beethoven is as applicable as it was years ago with the old pedagogy that represented piano training. As a student in the 90s college scene, I had a teacher that wouldn’t let anyone near the last 5 sonatas regardless of how good you were. That psychological approach almost made it seem as if they were to be left alone by anyone other than true performing professionals. It was something that stuck with me, almost rendering me quite afraid to even attempt them until now.

I agree, however, that there should be a “respect” for the music that only comes with great skill and experience that you gain along that way with other repertoire as you develop in both age and maturity. That’s not to say that you aren’t able at the moment to learn it. But I will say that from my perspective, my age and experience has made learning the last three for an April recital much easier with regards to technical control and musical decision-making. They aren’t easy by any means! But I have found myself grappling less with the demands of those works than I would have maybe 10-15 years ago.

Learning that work now means that by the time you are of that age when they say you should get to know late Beethoven, you should have it welded to your body and soul!