Prokofiev Piano Sonatas

[The Six]

A stunning body of work, but each is just different enough that it shouldn't be too hard to pick one favorite. Right?

[classicalgeek]

#7 gets my vote based on the thrilling finale alone!  #6 is a very strong work as well, and from the early sonatas, #2 probably speaks to me the most.

[DieNacht]

No. 7: ditto here.

Especially due to the Freddy Kempf and Richter recordings.

[oyasumi]

8 for me. It has the most power and widest range of emotions, as well as the most successful slow movement, I think. That melancholy melody in the first, and the way it's twisted in the climax is unbelievable.

7 seems to be the most popular, but personally I don't get it. The first movement starts off captivatingly, but it quickly does all it can to lose one's attention. The slow section loses me. I'm not a fan of the middle movement, and
as far as the finale, for a perpetual motion-type piece I prefer the second movement of the 2nd sonata.

5 apparently was such a failure that Prokofiev felt he had to revise it later in life, but I think there are many pleasant parts in it. 6 is the most difficult, and very ambitious. I might say it's my second favorite.

9, though, is sadly still misunderstood. It does not get much attention, but I like what Prokofiev was going for here. This sonata to much feels the most personal and touching, especially the first movement. Actually, this one is my second favorite.

[eyeresist]

Sadly, I am a Prok fan who hasn't yet got to grips with these works. I have the Petrov set on Venezia, which did not make a favourable impression, and Richter's 8 (with the concerto with Rowicki) - sadly, same. But I have high hopes for Raekallio....

[The Six]

Sadly, I am a Prok fan who hasn't yet got to grips with these works.

With 83 views of this thread and only 5 votes, I guess most of GMG is with you on that!

[springrite]

After considering 7 and 2, I gave my vote to 6!

[Sergeant Rock]

Sadly, I am a Prok fan who hasn't yet got to grips with these works....

....I guess most of GMG is with you on that!

I am to a certain extent. The "great" sonatas (6, 7, 8 ) have yet to make much of an impression on me...much of a positive impression.  I do love the D minor though (and Springrite just told me so did Richter  )  So the Second gets my vote.

Sarge

[North Star]

Too hard to choose just one from so many great works, 2nd, 5th (Op. 38), 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th are my favourites.

[Scion7]

the Sixth!

[Dancing Divertimentian]

It's interesting to me to read of the problems folks apparently have with the piano sonatas. Can't fathom myself what the problem might be. They're among the crown jewels in Prokofiev's output, along with his piano concertos, operas, and ballets.

Is it the medium itself that is causing problems? IOW, they aren't symphonies? Prokofiev's symphonies go in for a fair amount of discussion on GMG but in an ironic twist of fate they're actually much less accomplished than the other works I listed.

Perhaps tearing down the stereotype that the symphony is the grandest statement of all might help in perceiving the greatness in other forms of music.

Composers like Prokofiev deserve as much.

[Karl Henning]

With 83 views of this thread and only 5 votes, I guess most of GMG is with you on that!

Oh, not I!  I like them all (or, most of them) too well to vote for just one; so I abstain.  But, I find the discussion of interest.

[Dancing Divertimentian]

Oh, not I!  I like them all (or, most of them) too well to vote for just one; so I abstain.  But, I find the discussion of interest.

Ditto!

[Leon]

For me, the piano sonatas, collectively, are where Prokofiev proves his compositional metal.

[Karl Henning]

Forgive the nitpick, my friend . . . but you mean mettle : )

[Leon]

Forgive the nitpick, my friend . . . but you mean mettle : )

I was wondering about that, but was too lazy check it. 

Thanks for the heads up.

[eyeresist]

It's interesting to me to read of the problems folks apparently have with the piano sonatas. Can't fathom myself what the problem might be. They're among the crown jewels in Prokofiev's output, along with his piano concertos, operas, and ballets.

Is it the medium itself that is causing problems? IOW, they aren't symphonies? Prokofiev's symphonies go in for a fair amount of discussion on GMG but in an ironic twist of fate they're actually much less accomplished than the other works I listed.

I respectfully disagree I think the symphonies remain underestimated.

[Karl Henning]

I respectfully disagree I think the symphonies remain underestimated.

Man, if you can speak eloquently on behalf of the Third and Fourth, I should attend your word closely.  I like them, but they do not spark my musical passion in the way the others do.

The general neglect of the Second, though, I think practically criminal.

[eyeresist]

Man, if you can speak eloquently on behalf of the Third and Fourth, I should attend your word closely.  I like them, but they do not spark my musical passion in the way the others do.

What, not even the scherzo of the 3rd? That's some of my favourite of all Prokofiev!

[Lisztianwagner]

It's a rather hard contest among No.6, No.7 and No.8; but I think I'll end up voting for the 8th Piano Sonata.