Chopin's Third Sonata

[steinwayguy]

Is this piece as difficult as it looks/sounds? I haven't had the chance to read through it. Is it very pianistic? I'm trying to decide between it and the Symphonic Etudes to go with the following college audition program:

Bach Prelude and Fugue in A Minor, Book 1
Schubert Sonata in B-flat D.960
Chopin/Schumann
Rachmaninoff Etudes-Tableaux Op. 39 No. 6 in A Minor
Ravel Le Tombeau de Couperin

[fowler]

Hello,

Well his third piano sonata I heard from various sources is one of his hardest pieces to play out of all his compositions. The last movement right at the end sounds twice as hard as the end of his first ballad, which is difficult anyway.

I was thinking about learning the first movement of his sonata no.2, now i regard as a masterpiece, listening to the Leif Ove Andsnes recording I have it blew me away, fantastic music, but it seems very difficult, espcially the left hand arpeggios throughout which use thirds at times, cant get to grips with that yet.

cheers.

[JamesS]

I have played both the Schumann Etudes and the Chopin 3rd sonata. I would say that thay are probably around the same difficulty, in as much as they are both not at all easy. It depends what you find difficult, the Schumann covers a very large range of technical challenges and there are some extremly difficult moments, the dotted rhythms in the finale take a time. The Chopin is certainly one of, if not his hardest work, structurally the first movement is very tricky and extensive. Technically I find the Chopin very pianistic, more so than the Schumann, and for me the main technical difficulties lie in the finale of the Chopin. I would say that the Schumann is techniacally harder to learn, both are muiscally challenging and both are extremely enjoyable to play, in my experience. 

[steinwayguy]

I have played both the Schumann Etudes and the Chopin 3rd sonata. I would say that thay are probably around the same difficulty, in as much as they are both not at all easy. It depends what you find difficult, the Schumann covers a very large range of technical challenges and there are some extremly difficult moments, the dotted rhythms in the finale take a time. The Chopin is certainly one of, if not his hardest work, structurally the first movement is very tricky and extensive. Technically I find the Chopin very pianistic, more so than the Schumann, and for me the main technical difficulties lie in the finale of the Chopin. I would say that the Schumann is techniacally harder to learn, both are muiscally challenging and both are extremely enjoyable to play, in my experience.

Would you say that the Etudes are more helpful technically? Also, which is easier to learn and maintain?

[pianowelsh]

I find the leggiero movement the hardest actually. It is difficult! and requires stamina - which inccidentally would be a concern about your programme I wouldnt be inclined to do a sonata after the big Bbsonata of Schubert its too much. How long do you have to play for? because Chopin is 30mins Schumann is about the same Schubert is at least 30mins

[steinwayguy]

The other possibility is doing the Mephisto Waltz (instead of Schumann or Chopin), which I already know.

[SteinwayTony]

Do yourself a favor and make your addendums as short as possible.  With the Schubert you've already got 30 minutes right there, and juries rarely hear auditions for longer than that.  So as it is, it's almost certain that you'll be cut off.  Don't go with the Chopin unless you're really interested and enthusiastic about it. 

[rachmaninoff_969]

I agree with SteinwayTony...it's a really tough piece my friend and unless you play it really really well it could do you harm.  I've been on several juries and those who choose to play the masterworks of the piano literature, and do not play them with conviction are usually penalized, and not rewarded for their choice of difficult repertoire.  The bottom line is...if you have the goods go for it...but if you play a slightly "easier piece" much better, you'll get more favour from the jury.

[vivace]

I agree with the post above. In addition, your audition rep without Chopin/Schumann is already impressive as well as demanding.

Also, I found the Chopin Sonata, for me, to be one of those pieces that takes a lot of "sinking in" time. And that 4th movement truly is beastly. You've got good taste in rep ( ) so if I were you, I'd save this piece for a time when you can place a heck of a lot of concentration on it.