How difficult is the Brahms second piano concerto in B flat as compared to the first? I have already played the first one, it was my first concerto. I do not have plans to immediately do the second one, but I am curious about it.

And I know its irrelevant and no one really cares, or knows anything about me, but I got the greatest info on my 22nd birthday which was this past Wednesday... I DON'T HAVE CANCER ON MY PANCREAS!!!!!!!! I know none of you know about that, but it was still great to find out, plus a doctor was able to tell me actually what was wrong with me. So with a treatment plan and a little bit of luck, I will be able to return to college and finish my degree sooner. *insert evil laugh here* Well actually just found out today, the tests and stuff were Wednesday.

well that s always great news, congratulations !

Yeah, I went very off topic of my post. Though one thing I am curious about is other then how difficult is the Brahms second, is what makes it more difficult. I mean the obvious answer is the length of the concerto. Longest concerto in the standard piano repertoire(which excludes Busoni's concerto). What else makes it difficult.

jd, I'm very, very happy for you. Nobody your age should have to worry about life-threatening illness; it's tough enough for the rest of us who've been around the block a zillion times.

The consensus of players and professionals is that Brahms 2 is harder—considerably harder—than the first one. It was discussed here not too long ago; I was a little bit surprised, as I had assumed that they were roughly comparable. (I mean, the Op. 15 is already very difficult in its own right!)

Perhaps those who know the details and can compare the two will weigh in on the specifics.

Steven