Ave Maria - Shubert - Fingering

[drooxy]

Hi everybody,

I have started the "Ave Maria" from Schubert and I have a question about the fingering that is indicated:

For example, the right hand starts, in C major, with the following thirds and fourths:
  E-G / G-C / C-E
fingered:
  1-2 / 2-4 / 4-5.

That fingering seems very uncomfortable to me... wouldn't it be more natural to play:
  1-3 (or even 1-2) / 1-4 / 3-5 ?

Is there a good reason for having to stretch the fingers 2, 4 and 5 as indicated on the music sheet ?

The rest of the piece goes more or less the same way with right and left hand and I would
think of applying the same "fingering changes" unless there are good reasons not to do it !

Thanks for your input !

Drooxy

[kriskicksass]

They're like that to make more finger legato, but fingerings marked in scores are just suggestions to make your life easier. If you don't like them, change them. You should know, by the way, that Schubert's piano compositions are known to be very uncomfortable to play.

[drooxy]

Thanks, kriskicksass, for your answer,

I understand the necessity to play that piece legato and...

... although I did not see any indication for the use of the pedal, I am not sure that a nice result can be achieved without it (even with the recommended fingering).

If that statement is not "too" wrong, then I would guess that the pedal should bring the legato effect to the playing.

Please, correct me if I am wrong !

Thanks again
Drooxy

[quantum]

I'm going by memory here, but I believe the RH is written portato.  The legato is supplied by effect with pedalling.  There is a very good reason for RH portato, as it helps the attack of the double notes sound together.  It is harder to play the double notes together with finger legato. 

With regards to fingering.  The 12-24-45 will also help you memorize the chordal figurations, as your hand only needs to remember one position for the entire chord.