I've decided to learn this, I dont play enough 20th century repetoire, and I love this piece - any pointers? (I've only sightread through 1st page >_>)

Aside from learning each hand separately for a lot of it, be wary of the accent shifting onto the 2nd quaver of every six in the first subject's opening figure, if that makes sense. Also the two voices in the right hand of the second subject need to be distinguished properly, it's easy to make them join up into one, giving one melody of
E,B,C,E',B,C,E' instead of two E,B,C,E' groups overlapping.

That makes sense, thanks. I agree with learning it hands seperate, usually I am a together kind of guy, but it's much easier to realise each part seperately then putting it together. I'm just working slowly through at the moment, no need to rush.

listen to gilels recording. I have a video where gilels performs it on my computer. but I guess many of us have
Wonderful choice Max W, I will start learning this piece after my next concert. Too much to work on now.
regards /David

I have a Richter recording, I really wish I had the Gilels though, basically everything I've heard him play has been excellent.

If I figure out how to upload big files like that you'll here from me...

I'd love to see that video!

I'm about halfway through learning this piece, can play it up to speed for the most part but not without mistakes, one suggestion I have is to play the slower part starting around the 3rd phrase with some real expression, even if the tempo has to suffer a bit. I've heard too many recordings of people play that section coldly (who otherwise do quite well with the rest of it, since the rest is more suitable to their comparatively good technique), and it really ruins the piece for me. Considering Prokofiev's usual output this section is an island of beautiful consonance and should be fully appreciated and not just whisked by.

Oh and don't worry too much about putting the 16ths in the RH that are after the 8th note/16th rests in precicely after the last 8th in the LH too much when putting them together. Once you get the piece up to tempo they should fall into place nicely and you'll save yourself alot of trouble.
Same goes for later towards the end when you have the same thing in opposite hands (p.13-14ish), with the LH acting as a rather skippy and enjoyable ostinato pattern! I love that part!

The Gilels video can be found on this very reasonably-priced DVD:

http://www.prestoclassical.co.uk/dvd.php?keytype=2&keyword=Andr%E9+Cluytens

Also I wasn't aware of a Richter recording of this sonata, any idea where I can find it?