MusicCoach difficulty
71/100
Advanced
Level of the complete work
We have no level specific to this movement. The figure above is that of the complete work: within a cycle, movements often differ widely in demand.
Estimated skills
Theory
Knowledge of forms
1
Technique
Hand independence
1
Technique
Legato
1
Interpretation
Dynamics
1
Technique
Fast passages
1
Interpretation
Phrasing
1
Style
Romantic style
1
Technique
General technique
1
What to play next?
Each suggestion combines difficulty gap, risk, confidence and skill overlap. The first two cards in each column are the most useful pedagogically.
Gentle step
The safest next step.
No suggestion yet.
Balanced step
A genuine step up, without a jolt.
Balanced
Piano Sonata no. 17 in D major, D.850, op. 53, "Gasteiner"
Franz Schubert
close skills
moderate risk
to confirm
A real step up: this piece moves you into Great repertoire (diploma level, beyond grade 8). New compared with the previous piece: Analyse harmonique and Balance mains — understand the form and the harmony before memorising, or memory collapses the moment you play for someone.
Balanced
Piano Sonata A major D 959
Franz Schubert
close skills
moderate risk
to confirm
A real step up: this piece moves you into Great repertoire (diploma level, beyond grade 8). New compared with the previous piece: Analyse harmonique and Polyphonie à deux voix — understand the form and the harmony before memorising, or memory collapses the moment you play for someone.
Ambitious challenge
A useful leap with guided practice.
Challenge
Sonata no. 3 in B minor, op. 58
Frédéric Chopin
partial transfer
high risk
to confirm
An ambitious leap into Great repertoire (diploma level, beyond grade 8) — only worth starting if the practice time is really there. New compared with the previous piece: Analyse harmonique and Passages rapides — understand the form and the harmony before memorising, or memory collapses the moment you play for someone.
Challenge
Piano Sonata no. 2 in B flat minor, op. 36
Sergei Rachmaninoff
partial transfer
high risk
to confirm
An ambitious leap into Great repertoire (diploma level, beyond grade 8) — only worth starting if the practice time is really there. New compared with the previous piece: Analyse harmonique and Passages rapides — understand the form and the harmony before memorising, or memory collapses the moment you play for someone.
Same level
Same level
Fantasy (Grazer Fantasie) C major D 605 A
Franz Schubert
partial transfer
low risk
to confirm
Equivalent demands, still Advanced (around grade 8 ABRSM/RCM): what changes is the ground. The demand here is musical rather than mechanical: Phrasé — the notes will be secure long before the musical line: work in whole phrases, singing the main voice.
Same level
Ballade No.1 in G minor Op.23
Frédéric Chopin
partial transfer
low risk
to confirm
Equivalent demands, still Advanced (around grade 7 ABRSM/RCM): what changes is the ground. What changes is the skill in play: Octaves and Connaissance des formes — practise it slowly and hands separately before any attempt at tempo: that is where tension builds up.
The Rondo. Allegro vivace finale of the A minor Sonata D.845 conveys a brisk, springing character, alternating lively replies and lyrical episodes with sharp contrasts; it feels driven by a folk-like buoyancy and constant forward motion. On the technical side, note Technique générale (2.5/5): here that means clear attacks and relaxed fingers to keep rapid figures even and articulate; and Phrasing (2.5/5): you will need to shape short phrases and responses with precise connections and subtle inflections so the musical line remains coherent despite the movement’s speed. In Schubert’s catalogue this movement belongs to his solo piano output and functions as a contrasting, energetic finale within the D.845 sonata.