Which of these is hardest?

[arpeggiosnake]

Just wanna know your opinion please.  The prelude sounds more challeging but i cant make a decision yet.

Thanks

[Rach3]

Mr. Rachmaninoff, by a large margin.

[jhon]

Op.118/2 is longer and much harder to memorize; also it demands more intensive interpretation and feeling because of the "mellow" mood.  On the other hand, it's only the Agitato section (fast part) that's difficult in Op.3/2.

[Rach3]

On the other hand, it's only the Agitato section (fast part) that's difficult in Op.3/2.

The C# minor prelude as a whole is more difficult than Brahms. It has its own interpretive difficulties; and it's actually quite difficult to memorize because it has large, unpredictable chords.

[jhon]

IMHO, the only ones "unpredictable" in Op.3/2 is the Agitato section. 

This may sound arrogant but when I studied Op.3/2 years ago, I memorized the first and last sections (main themes) - except the Agitato part - in one sitting!  Since then, I merely have concentrated polishing only that fast middle portion.   

Op.118/2 is more unpredictable as I see it.  As in other Brahms Intermezzos, there's no stable chord pattern.  And I still haven't memorized it !

[jhon]

Arpeggiosnake.

BTW, since this thread has the SAME topic title with the other one (also in Repertoire) can you (author) just modify "hardest" to "harder."  Anyway, only two pieces are being compared here.  Members might just be confused...

TNX     

[darkthrone666]

I'm going to have to agree with Jhon. The Rach is very predictable. I actually pretty much guessed last section based on the first when I learned it.  And even in the agitato it can get quite repetative (note wise)

[aajjmb]

i play op3 no2 and i never found the middle section difficult.. i always found that getting a good balance in the slow opening is the hardest part...  its true that the notes in the agitato / chord section are harder to play at first but after mastering that the musicality in the first, slow section is harder by a long shot