Which Sonata is Better?

I wrote 2 sonatas, both for the piano. I would like you to see which one is better.

No.1 https://musescore.com/user/96214813/scores/26164063

No.2 https://musescore.com/user/96214813/scores/26953141

gotta go with the second.

19 hours ago, therealAJGS said:

gotta go with the second.

 

Can you write why? Anyways, thank you for the feedback! (I am not saying I like the first better, it is just that I want to improve.)

feels better well written, and is faster paced, I just like fast paced songs, I also like how it's kind of more dark? I don't really know how to explain, also, if any of this doesn't make sense, It's probably because I haven't listened to it for a day.

9 hours ago, therealAJGS said:

feels better well written, and is faster paced, I just like fast paced songs, I also like how it's kind of more dark? I don't really know how to explain, also, if any of this doesn't make sense, It's probably because I haven't listened to it for a day.

 

Thank you! It does!

I only listened to so far the first few measures of each, and all I can say so far is that both will be competent compositions!  I can look at a score even without trying to hear it in my head and tell just by the layout if the counterpoint, part writing is correct, after 38 years of writing music.  This is no criticism of you by any means, but the unnatural exaggeration of dynamics in music software programs is one of the reasons that while my paper manuscripts have dynamics, expression marks, and bowings for string instruments, etc, I never mess with these when I enter music into my site, Noteflight.  I will revisit these, my interest is perked.  You are obviously trained. 

In fact, I am not! I was considered as a child prodigy even by my teachers though.

@everyone I am soon going to be writing third sonata. The plan is A major, 4 movements.

On 9/11/2025 at 3:39 PM, Churchcantor said:

I only listened to so far the first few measures of each, and all I can say so far is that both will be competent compositions!  I can look at a score even without trying to hear it in my head and tell just by the layout if the counterpoint, part writing is correct, after 38 years of writing music.  This is no criticism of you by any means, but the unnatural exaggeration of dynamics in music software programs is one of the reasons that while my paper manuscripts have dynamics, expression marks, and bowings for string instruments, etc, I never mess with these when I enter music into my site, Noteflight.  I will revisit these, my interest is perked.  You are obviously trained. 

 

About the dymanics, I usually just simply put it for contrast.

2 minutes ago, TristanTheTristan said:

@everyone I am soon going to be writing third sonata. The plan is A major, 4 movements.

 

That I will update.

I still need more ideas for my third sonata. Anyways, @churchcantor did you listen to them yet? (Like the full thing). I can wait though. Don't disappear.

Sonata No. 3:https://musescore.com/user/96214813/scores/27723544

On 9/14/2025 at 3:31 PM, TristanTheTristan said:

I still need more ideas for my third sonata. Anyways, @churchcantor did you listen to them yet? (Like the full thing). I can wait though. Don't disappear.

 

I only saw this by accident, and I really should listen to both, the which-sonata-is-better game!  It's been a bit crazy for me.  I actually wrote a piece yesterday for a young Ukrainian man's dead grandmother!  That Ukrainian wants to come here, family issues, yada yada, but I have a lot on my mind.  Anyway, I'll listen now.  Bb Minor:  first movement is fun, quarters and eighths a bit bangy-tie some together and get syncopation, but always keep up the rhythm.  Liking the second movement, seems like a quirky and enjoyable scherzo.  Largo, I might vary the rhythmic texture beyond straight quarters?  The rondo is very classy!  Eastern European quality sometimes, as I like to do:  Dvorak Dumka!  Whoa; going full Liszt at the end!

Next, key...oh yes, e minor.  Guitars like that key!  From just the first movement, maybe I like this one better?  You are good with register contrasts in your piano writing; been talkin' to Herr Beethoven?  In general, both sonatas have minimalist passages, Philip Glass-like.  Nothing wrong with that!  Allegro Maestoso is good, I'm getting Schumann and Brahms lieder somehow!  I like things in both, maybe edge in the e minor.

I think when you write another sonata, you are the composer, but it might be a good exercise to try a minimalist one, more counterpoint than full chords, look at Hindemith Sonata #2:  it just crossed my mind!  You don't have to write in his style.