It's a tangent, but I'm curious. Do you recommend taking the finale scales as octave glissandi as Beethoven writes, or do you recommend a redistribution (e. g. Schnabel's cheat)?
Hi Derek, I think either is absolutely fine. The most important thing to remember is that they be very light and soft. I learned this piece at McGill when I was 18, and I did the redistribution. I played it for my very first CBC studio broadcast, the recording engineers using reel to reel. I did the resditribution while playing it for about fifteen years. Once in awhile I would try the gliss, and one day, it started to feel natural, first only on light pianos, and eventually anywhere. So now I do the gliss because it is fun. I'd only choose it if it felt fun! Studying Ravel's Ondine had gotten me more used to glisses, but neither Ondine or glisses are mandatory to pianists! Modern pianos are far heavier than Beethoven's and it's not worth any pain.
Thanks for the post. Good luck on the concerts.
It's a tangent, but I'm curious. Do you recommend taking the finale scales as octave glissandi as Beethoven writes, or do you recommend a redistribution (e. g. Schnabel's cheat)?
Thanks, again, for the post.
Hi Derek, I think either is absolutely fine. The most important thing to remember is that they be very light and soft. I learned this piece at McGill when I was 18, and I did the redistribution. I played it for my very first CBC studio broadcast, the recording engineers using reel to reel. I did the resditribution while playing it for about fifteen years. Once in awhile I would try the gliss, and one day, it started to feel natural, first only on light pianos, and eventually anywhere. So now I do the gliss because it is fun. I'd only choose it if it felt fun! Studying Ravel's Ondine had gotten me more used to glisses, but neither Ondine or glisses are mandatory to pianists! Modern pianos are far heavier than Beethoven's and it's not worth any pain.
Heather, what a delicious warming article. I enjoyed all your musings on the hero concept.
You are such an inspiration! What a project this has been. I hope to visit you some time. Good luck with all your concerts. Maggie
Big hugs Maggie! Now I'm inspired!