Having learned both concertos now (well, only the first movement of Chopin 1). I have came to the conclusion that, contrary to popular belief, Chopin 2 is actually more difficult. Voicing is much more difficult in Chopin 2, and the middle Cadenza is more awkward to play despite its shorter length. Maybe thats why it is seldom picked in competitons..

I hope someone here agrees with me

I hardly think that relative difficulty of the two concerti - which is a matter of opinion - has anything to do with the choice of one over the other in competitions. Many more difficult concerti are often played in competitions.

Regards,

Where is the 'middle Cadenza' in either one?

I thought that most people think that the f minor is harder.

For what it's worth, I think the E minor is a little bit more beautiful.

The E minor ('No.1') was actually composed after the F minor, and I think it shows.

Both are lovely even if not among the most difficult concertos. They are fairly early works and Chopin stopped composing larger works after these, but I wish he had done a few more. I love them both. Kissin actually released recordings of both done when he was about 14 and they stand up well to the performances of seasoned players. I don't think the difficulty matters in terms of beauty.

If 'larger' means 'multi-movement' works, Chopin did go on to write three sonatas.

I think you mean 12 years old.

Kissin was born in October, 1971; the recording was made on March 27, 1984; so he would actually have been close to 13-1/2 years old.

Regards,

I actually agree with you that the F Minor is more difficult than the E minor (but only in the first movement).

You might like to check your maths.... (unless you're saying he is 13 minus 1/2 years old... which is a weird way of putting it, to be honest.)

Of course you are right; my math was off. Will you settle for 12 and one-half years old?

It is/would be phenomenal at either age!

Regards,

Indeed! I couldn't even hope to play either of them now... at 16!