Chopin or Beethoven: Solo Piano Works

[JBS]

Well, that's exactly the notion that I deeply hate and resent  from the very bottom of my heart --- X is fine but they don't compare to Beethoven.

Let's not forget that for certain parts of his output, Beethoven does not compare to Beethoven.

[Symphonic Addict]

Don't be too passionate, Andrei. Don't take this as personal. 

[Mirror Image]

I think this is a ridiculous comparison first of all. Two composers that are completely different than each other aesthetically and their general approach to music couldn't be more different. As Karl would say, I choose the banana option.

[Que]

I think this is a ridiculous comparison first of all. Two composers that are completely different than each other aesthetically and their general approach to music couldn't be more different. As Karl would say, I choose the banana option.

Agreed. Chopin is Chopin, Beethoven is Beethoven. Some like Chopin, some Beethoven, many like both.

I'm not sure what pearls of wisdom could be derived from any comparison. And indeed, reading this thread, there are none.

[Florestan]

Don't be too passionate, Andrei. Don't take this as personal. 

Well, of course I don't hate Beethoven, man and music. What I do hate is his cult. 

[San Antone]

Agreed. Chopin is Chopin, Beethoven is Beethoven. Some like Chopin, some Beethoven, many like both.

I'm not sure what pearls of wisdom could be derived from any comparison. And indeed, reading this thread, there are none.

These kinds of threads usually offer more heat than light - but sometimes it can be entertaining to contemplate two very different composers comparatively. 

For many years I was a devoted Beethovian and hardly listened to Chopin.  But then I cooled to Beethoven and Chopin especially the Mazurkas and Waltzes became fascinating to me.  For the last month of so I've been listening to Beethoven again, but never stopped listening to Chopin as well as other composers of his period and onto the Late Romantic era.

As I mature as a Classical music lover (funny, I turned 70 in December), and as a forum member, my views have become less volatile and I am much more expansive and inclusive in the music I listen to and enjoy.  Also, I am far less likely to express a dislike for any music or recording than I used to be.

So Beethoven and Chopin, again and again.

[prémont]

Well, of course I don't hate Beethoven, man and music. What I do hate is his cult. 

My love for Beethoven goes all the way back to my earliest childhood, and isn't it allowed to write that I consider Beethoven a composer only a few can compare with, without I'm readily accused of participating in some Beethoven cult?