Book excerpt: Among Brahms's three piano sonatas, the first one he composed was No. 2, Op. 2, which is less frequently performed and viewed less satisfactory in comparison to the third. Previous discussions of this piece concentrate on the overwhelming virtuosity. Understandably, this virtuosity creates tremendous challenges to pianists. This document provides a performer's guide to this sonata by examining the virtuosity as it relates to form and expression, and also by creating suggestions for practice and performance. Students, teachers, and performers can benefit from this study on a piece that is typically neglected in research and repertoire lists in favor of the more famous Sonata No. 3.