As musicians, it is not wise to rank pieces in difficulty order. None of Beethoven's Sonatas can be called easy, not even the Op. 49 set. However, it is true that some are easier than others. Yes, there are givens, for example, Op. 49 is clearly easier than something like Op. 57 or Op. 53.



Also, I disagree with how they get ranked. I am greatly annoyed that people sometimes consider Op. 2 No. 3 to be "easy" in any way. Same thing goes for Op. 10 No 3. They are both very difficult pieces. Op. 2 No 3 is not easy at all, and you do not have to take my word for it. Try playing it, and you will see how hard it really is. It is considered one of Beethoven's most respected sonatas, and one of the biggest ones. The first movement has nasty thirds, which are nortoriously difficult. The second movement is musically draining. The third movement has technical challenges too, as well as musical challenges, especially the Trio. The last movement must be very light.



Op. 10 No. 3 is not easy either. In fact, I even hear it played at major competitions, such as the E-Piano Competition in Minneapolis and the Arthur Rubinstein Competition in Tel Aviv. In fact, Eric Zuber, the 4th place winner of the 2011 Rubinstein, played the Op. 10 No 3. Just think! If someone would use it for the Rubinstein, it must be VERY DIFFICULT.



Most would agree that the Hammerklavier, Op. 106 is the hardest. But Op. 57, Op. 53, Op 31 No 2, Op. 10 No 3, Op. 2 No 3, Op 111, and Op 110 can also be added to the list.