Has any of you ever played Beethoven's Pathetique Sonata (op.13)??? At what age and what grade did you start learning it? I'm dying to start practicing the first movement but I'm afraid my teacher won't give permission and tell me to focus on the exam pieces. I'm taking Gr 8 next year. The Grave-Allegro molto e con brio is maybe my most favourite piece!

My boyfriend did it for his DipABRSM this summer. He is 20. He says it is Very Hard but nice and good if you have a classical style. But go for it if you want to.

I've heard of a lot of people here who've learnt it after grade 8 for the dipABRSM.

I played it for a diploma, but I started learning it (3rd movement) when I was about 14. I'd go for the third movement - I had so much fun playing it, and it basically was what really got me into the piano - it can be practised in a very approachable manner. Interestingly enough, the 1st movement was oncce on the g8 rep, although I think it's really too hard to be considered a g8 piece

Dave

i started it when i was like 16 rather...it's hard....the left hand is a horro in the first movement.

QUOTE

The Grave-Allegro molto e con brio is maybe my most favourite piece!

I heard a 12 year old play it a few years ago (but it was after a year at a specialist music school ).

I played it quite a lot last year, and have started playing it again this year (all the movements). i really love playing it but my left hand gets tired in it lol. im 15 and doing my grade 8 in november. the first page sounds so cool!

I think the second movement isn't too hard.

QUOTE (sbhoa @ Oct 15 2004, 05:06 PM)

QUOTE The Grave-Allegro molto e con brio is maybe my most favourite piece! I heard a 12 year old play it a few years ago (but it was after a year at a specialist music school ).

Isn't it the same difficulty as op. 14 no. 1 (the next sonata)? I've finished playing that sonata a few months ago, and that's why I think I'm able to play it with some practice. I really like hard and exhausting movements!!

I played it at the time when I was going to have my ATCL exam, at age 15.
I don't think it is difficult, but quite exciting!

I learned it this year... it's absolutely gorgeous (especially the second movement which I played at a festival) and the first movement is really fun but makes your hand seize up (lol) and the third movement is very pretty!!

i just love the whole piece...and anything by beethoven

I started playing Sonata Op.13 when I was 13 (almost 14) and after G8. I played it for a test in america called "CM." Now, 15 years old, I'm going to play all three movements for DipABRSM.

Of course, the two years in between, i wasn't practicing it

My friend who is 16 is playing that piece, and I know a girl who is 11 and played it and is doing her DipABRSM soon, and she passed grade 8 with distinction!!!!

QUOTE (piano_chik_em @ Oct 20 2004, 08:58 AM)

My friend who is 16 is playing that piece, and I know a girl who is 11 and played it and is doing her DipABRSM soon, and she passed grade 8 with distinction!!!!

DipABRSM at 11...?!!! Isn't that a bit too young?!! Or is she really an excellent pianist?! I hope I could do it at that age though...