Of the year!!!!!!!!!!! Of course, I am talking about picking new rep! It is probably the closest feeling to Christmas at age 5 that I can have as an adult.

The only definite is Schubert- Eb Major Sonata, D. 568. Slight definite is Earl Wild's transcription of "I Got Rhythm." (I want to spend a week or so on it before deciding). Probably sticking with Liebermann- Schubert Variations (which I have been working on) for awhile.

So here is the question...I am trying to decide between Chopin, Op. 49 or Schumann Kinderszenen. My teacher said he approves of both and for me to choose. I love both. My hesitation with the Schumann is that I know it has lots of difficulties that many pianists greater than I cannot surmount. I have heard multiple people say they have never heard a professional recording they like of the work. Any insight into the challenges of this piece? Is it a "if you don't know, don't attempt" kind of thing?

And last, just because it is beautiful and not played much...

Can't go wrong.

I'd pick Chopin, if for no other reason than it's not German (and the Schubert is.)

It's also better to learn with a teacher and have in your repertoire while you're in school. Kinderszenen is the kind of thing I'd wait until you're out of school to learn - it lends itself best to very personal interpretations, and I'm not convinced a teacher's input would be all that helpful (unless you and your teacher are absolutely on the same page about the piece.)

What Kreisler said.

I vote for Op. 49 too, if for no other reason than I like it much more than Kiderszenen, and I'm also considering starting it up in the next week. Kreisler's justification is great though. It's also less-played at recitals IMO. I've never heard it live, and I've heard Kinderszenen twice.

I vote for Chopin too, and not only because of my screen name! I just think Kreisler has a point.

Some of the reasons for not learning Kinderscenen given so far may be valid. But as far as the reason that "some people say they never have head a good performance of the piece" goes, I'd guess those same people think there are many pieces they've never heard a good performance of, i.e. they are hyper critical. I don't see anything harder about Kinderscenen than any other great piece of music, and it is obviously technically much easier than many great pieces of music.

All great points, and the Chopin is ordered and on its way. Thank you! You all made the decision much easier.


Hmmm...well for one of the people, I do not know well enough to say if that could be true or not. The other one, I don't think that is the case. The conversations took place independent of one another. I think from the conversation I had with one, the person seemed to be of the opinion that Schumann was a struggle musically for many pianists. I could see that being a valid statement for many performances of his music, but not by any means all performances.

(Never mind)

Agree with Kreisler.