Brahms Paganini Variations Book I - #1-2

[thebitus]

First and Second Variation from Brahms - Paganini Variations op. 35 Book I.

How do you play the parralel sixths in the left hand? Legato (fingers 1-4 to 2-5) or separate (1-4 1-5)? If I play them legato I am affraid of injuring my hand, but it sounds much better. What do you think?
Thank you,
Titus

[michael_langlois]

First and Second Variation from Brahms - Paganini Variations op. 35 Book I.

How do you play the parralel sixths in the left hand? Legato (fingers 1-4 to 2-5) or separate (1-4 1-5)? If I play them legato I am affraid of injuring my hand, but it sounds much better. What do you think?
Thank you,
Titus

I think that you are free to do as you please, as there is no slur above it (as there is in the first variation).  In my opinion, it should be connected, but not legatissimo.

ML

[kriskicksass]

If I play them legato I am affraid of injuring my hand

This is Brahms. If you don't injure yourself, you're doing something wrong.  But in all seriousness, don't risk injury just to play legato sixths. If your hand isn't big enough to do it comfortable, don't. Use the pedal (carefully) and your best shot at a perfectly even tone to make a pseudo-legato.