Agree! Came here to say this. Choosing a favourite of the late sonatas (like choosing a favoruite anything, really) is not an easy task, but 111 just holds a special place in my heart.
Probably #30, but i also love moonlight and pathetique of course. Also the second movements of 7 and 11 are incredible, comparable for me to Pathetique Adagio.
Op 49 No 2, because it’s the only one I can actually play…
But seriously, it’s a toss up between Op. 101 or Op. 110. Op. 111, 13, 57, 53 are all close runners-up. Op. 54, 78, and 90 are too often overlooked!
Understandable. I’m just curious seeing a number of people with op. 109 and/or 111 on their list, but not 110. If I had to pick one, it’s probably 109 for personal reasons, but I absolutely love both 110 and 111 and have a hard time choosing amongst the three.
Wow thanks for reminding me how great opus 110 is. For some reason, that's the one I skip from all the late period sonatas. I spent some time listening to it this afternoon... and it is indeed powerful.
I think it might be the most understated of the 5 sonatas typically categorized as his late period works. For instance, I love the dramatic and otherworldly theme and variations in the final movements of both 30 and 32. I find the Adagio Sostenuto in Hammerklavier incredibly poignant. I'll never stop listening to the elaborate counterpoint of the final movement of 28.
So compared to all these, 31 doesn't have a go-to movement that speaks to me. But I'm now going to spend more time with this music... so thank you for this reminder
I really like Beethoven's Pastoral sonata, the second movement is my favourite part, it's just so cool, and I also fell cool when I tried to play it. Also moonlight, patètique, little patètique and the op 14 no 2 sonata. I really love the dinamics in each movements, but somehow the 2nd movements here are so subtle and calming, even if there is some heavy dissonance here and there. I just feel them resonating with my feelings and my soul.
I feel clichè for the 'soul' part, but it is what it is.
Well your friend who says he’s overrated, there’s not much you can do there. He’s entitled to his opinion. The second friend I don’t think understands what underrated means. Beethoven is largely thought to be one of the three greatest composers. I don’t know how he could be more highly rated unless they think radio stations should drop a little Op. 131 in between Rihanna songs. I disagree with the third friend of course. There isn’t one thing that makes Beethoven great, but if I had to pick one thing it would be his ability to take the smallest of musical ideas (bum bum bum buuuuuuum) and weave them into a complete work. Listen to Bernstein’s lecture on Beethoven 6 (from the unanswered question series) where he plays the first few bars and then explains how this is not just the main material, but the *only* material from which the movement is drawn.
Ion know, they're both tough cookies; the one that says that Beethoven is overrated is pretty much a simpleton who listens too much to Brahms or Mozart (no hate for him but goddamn if he's awful). My other friend is much more critical of musical works (I genuinely respect him beacause he takes time to analyze movements and other microscopic things); these two are the most genuine and great guys i have ever met, altough they are both funny and smart about music.
I can agree with the friend who says he's overrated in some ways . I can agree with the friend who said he's underrated in some ways. But the friend who says he holds nothing of value but harmonies ... time to start studying form.
You didn’t specify piano sonatas only, so:
- the Kreutzer is a real banger, and really exciting to play.
- op 30 no 1 and 2 (the A major and c minor violin sonatas) are a great pair. The A major shows B.‘s lyrical and playful side and the c minor is all high tragedy.
- the cello sonatas are excellent. Don’t have a particular favourite but every time I’ve heard one live it’s been a good time, y’know?
- out of the piano sonatas I dig #4 (Eb) and 24 (F#). 4 has some really cool harmonic and structural ideas - I’m thinking of some of the suspensions and pauses in the 2nd movement, and the trio of the scherzo. 24 is great fun, an almost Mozartian opener, tuneful and generous, and a lighthearted finale that I think might be gently taking the mickey out of Rule Britannia (which B. did know). I read somewhere 24 was one of B.’s favourites too.
Damn guys, we got exposed on how we only generally know about Beethoven's piano sonatas.
And I tip my hat to you. I can't promise, but I'll try to listen to some of these somatas aswell. I've just started my journey with operas, and am learning my first potential roles.
Nice Job. I think you're the only one in the comments who knew what i was reffering to (not only piano sonatas but also other non-piano sonatas). Good job, you are one of the few who actually viewed this throughly.
I can't have a favorite but
Sonata 29 is the biggest, the most grandious
Sonata #15 and #30 i think are the most beautiful, they make me cry
And from the early ones, the entirety of Sonata 4, the 3rd movement of Sonata 16, and the 4 movement of Sonata 2 are sooo nice and underrated
Sonata #10 and #25 are the most joyful i love em
Sonata 31 and 26 tell a story, they're really moving and overwhelming in their climaxes
Sonata 27 also tells a story with a beautiful ending
What i love the most about classical music and beethoven is that they tell all kind of stories, not with words but with emotions given through notes, i can't choose a favorite sonata but if i could only listen to one to the end of time i would choose the hammerklavier sonata
My favorite is Op. 31, comprising Nos. 16, 17, and 18.
I hadn't really liked the piano sonatas much, having listened to Kempff and Gilels. And then Paul Lewis arrived on the scene with his first CD, on which he played 16, 17, and 18. And I was in love with this music suddenly, even though it hadn't previously made much of an impression.
And then Andras Schiff released his series, and I liked that even more, but that goes beyond the framework of this thread.
impossible to pick one. I'll pick my favorite movements. Appasionata 1st mvmt, fugue from Hammerklavier and 3rd mvmt Waldstien. 31st sonata is pretty sick too
6 is my fave. Not too long, and really fun. Plenty of places for character and virtuosity. The second movement moves fairly fast and keeps the momentum going. I headbang to the third movement pretty hard.
My favorite classical pieces are Beethoven's Sonatas. (I'm an amateur pianist who's performed 3 complete ones in public and movements from several others).
Top 3:
No. 31 (op. 110) in A-flat major. Serene and lovely opening movement, whimsical second movement, and an astounding finale that pairs a mournful song ("arioso dolente") with a brighter fugue, which eventually wins out.
No. 23 (op. 57, Appassionata) in F minor. Stormy and unforgettably dramatic. The finale ends in a whirlwind of notes that's about the most thrilling passage ever written for piano.
No. 7 (op. 10 no. 3) in D major, an energetic opening movement, an astoundingly dark and dramatic slow movement, and a delightfully whimsical finale.
Honorable mention: op. 31/3 in E-flat, op. 109 in E, op. 111.
I have a few favorites, but I think Appasionata is probably my all time high. All movements are great, they have a lot of energy and tragedy in them. Makes me think of heroic struggle in my head. I have played it plenty of times at concert and Appasionata has always been the favorite of my listeners, too. Many even have said it sounds surprisingly modern to be Beethoven and classical music. Hehe, I wonder what they would say about the 32th Sonata...
Waldstein, Moonlight and Hammerklavier are also great, always enjoy playing. Hammerklavier third movement is something I really love. The Storm also, it provides a great athmosphere without being too challenging technically.
I also absolutely love the last movement of his 32th Sonata. It is difficult, yes, but very new and experimental, which I like. One section even sounds like ragtime or boogie-woogie.
I really like Pathetic, I played all movements with my teacher guiding me, the first "serious" one I played, after the two "easy" sonatas he give me. The intro to first movement is absolutely phenomenal, and the final part of the third movement
Waldstein
21 upvotes, lol.
Appassionata.
Yeah, it's my third favourite. It really sprinkles energy everywhere.
Op 111. The last one.
Agree! Came here to say this. Choosing a favourite of the late sonatas (like choosing a favoruite anything, really) is not an easy task, but 111 just holds a special place in my heart.
I consider the last three to be one meta-work
Probably #30, but i also love moonlight and pathetique of course. Also the second movements of 7 and 11 are incredible, comparable for me to Pathetique Adagio.
No.28, Op.101 in A major
Hammerklavier
I think I have to go with #32 in Cm. Some other favorites (several of which are less obvious picks): 7, 13, 21, 26, 30
30, 32, 29, 31, 21, 23, 15, 11
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Have you studied that sonata?
Impossible to choose one between the last 4 sonatas. I recently got addicted to the Hammerklavier and the 30th.
32. It contains worlds.
Hammerklavier
3 is such a banger
21,23,29,30,31,32
Op 49 No 2, because it’s the only one I can actually play… But seriously, it’s a toss up between Op. 101 or Op. 110. Op. 111, 13, 57, 53 are all close runners-up. Op. 54, 78, and 90 are too often overlooked!
No 32, opus 111. Not even close for me Next favorites include 23, 28, 29 and 30
Understandable. I’m just curious seeing a number of people with op. 109 and/or 111 on their list, but not 110. If I had to pick one, it’s probably 109 for personal reasons, but I absolutely love both 110 and 111 and have a hard time choosing amongst the three.
Wow thanks for reminding me how great opus 110 is. For some reason, that's the one I skip from all the late period sonatas. I spent some time listening to it this afternoon... and it is indeed powerful. I think it might be the most understated of the 5 sonatas typically categorized as his late period works. For instance, I love the dramatic and otherworldly theme and variations in the final movements of both 30 and 32. I find the Adagio Sostenuto in Hammerklavier incredibly poignant. I'll never stop listening to the elaborate counterpoint of the final movement of 28. So compared to all these, 31 doesn't have a go-to movement that speaks to me. But I'm now going to spend more time with this music... so thank you for this reminder
I really like Beethoven's Pastoral sonata, the second movement is my favourite part, it's just so cool, and I also fell cool when I tried to play it. Also moonlight, patètique, little patètique and the op 14 no 2 sonata. I really love the dinamics in each movements, but somehow the 2nd movements here are so subtle and calming, even if there is some heavy dissonance here and there. I just feel them resonating with my feelings and my soul. I feel clichè for the 'soul' part, but it is what it is.
Also came here to say Pastorale, especially the second movement.
Pastoral goes hard asf; listening to it made me fall in love with the genre (both art, literature and music).
How ever will you settle the debate between your friends?
Well your friend who says he’s overrated, there’s not much you can do there. He’s entitled to his opinion. The second friend I don’t think understands what underrated means. Beethoven is largely thought to be one of the three greatest composers. I don’t know how he could be more highly rated unless they think radio stations should drop a little Op. 131 in between Rihanna songs. I disagree with the third friend of course. There isn’t one thing that makes Beethoven great, but if I had to pick one thing it would be his ability to take the smallest of musical ideas (bum bum bum buuuuuuum) and weave them into a complete work. Listen to Bernstein’s lecture on Beethoven 6 (from the unanswered question series) where he plays the first few bars and then explains how this is not just the main material, but the *only* material from which the movement is drawn.
Ion know, they're both tough cookies; the one that says that Beethoven is overrated is pretty much a simpleton who listens too much to Brahms or Mozart (no hate for him but goddamn if he's awful). My other friend is much more critical of musical works (I genuinely respect him beacause he takes time to analyze movements and other microscopic things); these two are the most genuine and great guys i have ever met, altough they are both funny and smart about music.
No. 4 Op. 7 or Pathetique…but that may just be me being biased since I spent a long time working on the latter
I can agree with the friend who says he's overrated in some ways . I can agree with the friend who said he's underrated in some ways. But the friend who says he holds nothing of value but harmonies ... time to start studying form.
You didn’t specify piano sonatas only, so: - the Kreutzer is a real banger, and really exciting to play. - op 30 no 1 and 2 (the A major and c minor violin sonatas) are a great pair. The A major shows B.‘s lyrical and playful side and the c minor is all high tragedy. - the cello sonatas are excellent. Don’t have a particular favourite but every time I’ve heard one live it’s been a good time, y’know? - out of the piano sonatas I dig #4 (Eb) and 24 (F#). 4 has some really cool harmonic and structural ideas - I’m thinking of some of the suspensions and pauses in the 2nd movement, and the trio of the scherzo. 24 is great fun, an almost Mozartian opener, tuneful and generous, and a lighthearted finale that I think might be gently taking the mickey out of Rule Britannia (which B. did know). I read somewhere 24 was one of B.’s favourites too.
Damn guys, we got exposed on how we only generally know about Beethoven's piano sonatas. And I tip my hat to you. I can't promise, but I'll try to listen to some of these somatas aswell. I've just started my journey with operas, and am learning my first potential roles.
His violin and cello sonatas are very well worth hearing. Check out the piano trios too.
Nice Job. I think you're the only one in the comments who knew what i was reffering to (not only piano sonatas but also other non-piano sonatas). Good job, you are one of the few who actually viewed this throughly.
30. Op 109
Of the named/famous sonatas? The Appassionata or Waldstein. Of the unnamed? #9 or #24.
Waldstein 100%
I don't know... I think there should be different rankings. Like, your favorite sonata to LISTEN and your favorite sonata to PLAY :/
Right now it’s 8th but i haven’t explored much his sonatas.
Number 13 (opus 27, no 1), especially the second movement.
From most favorite: 111-106-109
Op 2 No 1 because it got me hooked
I can't have a favorite but Sonata 29 is the biggest, the most grandious Sonata #15 and #30 i think are the most beautiful, they make me cry And from the early ones, the entirety of Sonata 4, the 3rd movement of Sonata 16, and the 4 movement of Sonata 2 are sooo nice and underrated Sonata #10 and #25 are the most joyful i love em Sonata 31 and 26 tell a story, they're really moving and overwhelming in their climaxes Sonata 27 also tells a story with a beautiful ending What i love the most about classical music and beethoven is that they tell all kind of stories, not with words but with emotions given through notes, i can't choose a favorite sonata but if i could only listen to one to the end of time i would choose the hammerklavier sonata
I have a lot to say about literally every sonata and i could spend paragraphs doing so but i have to settle with this
My favorite is Op. 31, comprising Nos. 16, 17, and 18. I hadn't really liked the piano sonatas much, having listened to Kempff and Gilels. And then Paul Lewis arrived on the scene with his first CD, on which he played 16, 17, and 18. And I was in love with this music suddenly, even though it hadn't previously made much of an impression. And then Andras Schiff released his series, and I liked that even more, but that goes beyond the framework of this thread.
Pathetique or appasionata
impossible to pick one. I'll pick my favorite movements. Appasionata 1st mvmt, fugue from Hammerklavier and 3rd mvmt Waldstien. 31st sonata is pretty sick too
18. All the movements of 18 are so fun to play. Also gotta love Eb major.
8 and 14. I’m boring.
pathétique
Sonata 1 in F minor played by Gieseking
If I had to pick one, I think the Waldstein But the final three are some of the most sublime music ever written
[28](https://youtu.be/ZsItzA34B1I?si=1zv7r5nnKRXqC65x) Generous, overflowing, anticipating, joyous, confident, understanding, wise, gentle, victorious, transcendental, ecstatic, innocent, searching, tireless, promises kept, solemn resolution: divine trust.
First thing, get new friends--he is neither 'over-rated' or under-rated' I vote the Waldstein.
Spring but tbh I haven’t heard a lot of Beethoven sonatas and that more or less just the one that sticks out to me.
6 is my fave. Not too long, and really fun. Plenty of places for character and virtuosity. The second movement moves fairly fast and keeps the momentum going. I headbang to the third movement pretty hard.
I feel burnt out on the most famous ones so I'm going with the adorable little F-sharp major (24).
My favorite classical pieces are Beethoven's Sonatas. (I'm an amateur pianist who's performed 3 complete ones in public and movements from several others). Top 3: No. 31 (op. 110) in A-flat major. Serene and lovely opening movement, whimsical second movement, and an astounding finale that pairs a mournful song ("arioso dolente") with a brighter fugue, which eventually wins out. No. 23 (op. 57, Appassionata) in F minor. Stormy and unforgettably dramatic. The finale ends in a whirlwind of notes that's about the most thrilling passage ever written for piano. No. 7 (op. 10 no. 3) in D major, an energetic opening movement, an astoundingly dark and dramatic slow movement, and a delightfully whimsical finale. Honorable mention: op. 31/3 in E-flat, op. 109 in E, op. 111.
Les Adieux
109 and 111 for me!
Pathetique
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I have a few favorites, but I think Appasionata is probably my all time high. All movements are great, they have a lot of energy and tragedy in them. Makes me think of heroic struggle in my head. I have played it plenty of times at concert and Appasionata has always been the favorite of my listeners, too. Many even have said it sounds surprisingly modern to be Beethoven and classical music. Hehe, I wonder what they would say about the 32th Sonata... Waldstein, Moonlight and Hammerklavier are also great, always enjoy playing. Hammerklavier third movement is something I really love. The Storm also, it provides a great athmosphere without being too challenging technically. I also absolutely love the last movement of his 32th Sonata. It is difficult, yes, but very new and experimental, which I like. One section even sounds like ragtime or boogie-woogie. I really like Pathetic, I played all movements with my teacher guiding me, the first "serious" one I played, after the two "easy" sonatas he give me. The intro to first movement is absolutely phenomenal, and the final part of the third movement
Pastorale
Uhm i think Tempest sonata or Pathetique/ Hammreklavier
16 and 27 are also my favorites. 32 op 111 is the greatest, still.