BEETHOVEN’S PIANO SONATA, OP. 53 “WALDSTEIN”: A STUDY OF FINGERINGS IN SELECTED EDITIONS

Abstract

This study collates and compares fingerings in selected significant editions of Beethoven's Piano Sonata in C Major, Op. 53. These selected editions span from the nineteenth century to the twenty-first and include those by Bülow, Liszt, Casella, Schenker, Schnabel, Wallner, Gordon, Taub, and Perahia. This study is intended as a reference for pianists who are playing or teaching this sonata. They will have access to a variety of fingering options, including many that are not readily available. The comparison of different fingerings for specific passages in these editions will provide a variety of solutions to help the performer reach his/her own desired musical outcomes and solve technical difficulties. This may provide insight into how to approach fingering more creatively in other repertoire as well. This study provides a review of related literature on fingering, in order to place the importance of fingering within a historical framework. The related literature traces the evolution of fingering principles from the sixteenth century to the time of Beethoven. The study also reviews various editions of Beethoven piano sonatas and examines the editorial approach of these editions dating from the first half of the nineteenth century to today. These editorial trends remain a rich source of past and present thinking that reflects various interpretive ideas.