How difficult would you say this piece is to learn? I'm learning it right now, and I'm only at the beginning parts, right before all the staccato notes start and its pretty easy, but it seems that the piece doesn't really pick up until then. If anyone has learned it, how hard would you say it was compared to, say, the first movement of moonlight? thanks!

Learning it and playing it is different from playing it well, just as it is with Moonlight Mvt 1.

There is much more going on in the 2d Mvt of the Pathetique - more voices, more dynamics, more detail. I love playing it and don't even come close to playing it well.

Good luck with it and have fun.

Glen

Out of 10, I'd say that the Sonata Pathétique 2nd mvt is a 5. Comparing it to the 1st mvt of the Moonlight Sonata, i'd say it's easier. But then again, it is Very important not to forget that, there is indeed, a major difference in playing a piano piance, and playing it well. This comparison is only based on technique required to play the notes correctly.