Chopin 2nd Sonata

[pianomann1984]

How on Earth is one supposed to programme this infuriating work?!  It's such an emotional earful that it should really sit in a second half on it's own - but never seems quite substantial enough.  For someone like myself who isn't a fan of 'shopping-lists-for-one-composer' recitals, how can I squeeze it in?!  Any ideas?

[virtuoso]

I recently heard Olga Kern play it. What she did was play that in the 2nd half and then right after that played the A Flat Major Heroic Polonaoise.  It was a fantastic relief of the funeral scene into the heroic scene! thats how I would do it too! 

[pianomann1984]

That's a really interesting approach.  I dunno whether I would do that.  I just dunno.  I have a recital in July and was gonna play:


Bach/Rachmaninoff      Suite from Partita in E, BWV 1006           9'

Beethoven                   Sonata No 2 in A, Op 2 No 2                   25'

{INTERVAL}

Chopin                         Sonata No 2 in Bb minor, Op 35              25'


I'm a big fan of the less-is-more method of programming but its still a bit short.  I thought of maybe putting the Db Berceuse in before the sonata to bulk out the second half.  Failing that I thought maybe ditching the chopin sonata altogether and replacing it with the Liszt B minor, putting maybe the 4th Ballade at the end of the 1st half, or even the Bercuese between the Bach and Beethoven.

[virtuoso]

or what about the barcarolle?that can come either before or after it?

[pianomann1984]

Funnily enough I did think of that!  Great minds... But for me the Barcarolle's opening is too much like the opening of the sonata.

[virtuoso]

what about Prokofiev toccata afterwards. or Chopin 3rd Ballade. or liszt Mephisto

[pianomann1984]

Chopin 3rd ballade is a good idea, though actaully am having a revelation as we speak!  How about...


Bach/Rachmaninoff        Suite from Partita in E, BWV 1006

Beethoven                     Sonata No 2 in A, Op 2 No 2

{INTERVAL}

Chopin                           4 Ballades

[virtuoso]

you know, I am doing that! sorry, I thought u wanted the sonata though. It is fabulous, it will definitely work! congratulations...I think we have a winner

[pianomann1984]

Fantastic!  U've made me a happy man!