I can't get a Handel on the fingering!

[gkatele]

I know, I'm not the first to make a bad, bad pun on the name, but I couldn't resist!   

Looking for some fingering help here.

I've been patiently working my way through the Keyboard Suite in E by Handel (the "Harmonious Blacksmith"). Besides having some devilishly difficult parts in the courante, I'm struggling with the last variation in the air.

Here's the part that I need help with.

In the last variation, in measure #6 there are 3 ascending 8 note scales in 32nd notes , each one starting on the next highest note.

     So, the first one is a simple B major scale

     1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5

     The next one is C# major, and my edition (Henle) says

     1 2 1 2 3 1 4 5

     The next one is D# major, and my edition says

     1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4   then the 5 comes down on the E which is the first note in the next measure.

My problem with this fingering is getting that thumb down onto that C# in the second scale, and having the thumb be there for the last 3 notes.


     I have another edition which suggests the following:

     1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5     for the first scale

     2 3 1 2 3 1 4 5     for the 2nd, and

     2 1 2 3 1 2 3 4    for the last.

My problem with this is that long reach from 5 (in the first scale) to 2 on the C# for the second scale.



Anyhow, can anyone suggest alternative fingerings, a method of learning either of these two, or a suggestion as to where I can get another set of fingers?


 

Thanks,



George

[al]

ABRSM (who are usually good for fingerings) say:

12312345

23123134

21231234

Hope it helps.

Edit: sorry, I just realised this is almost identical to your second set of fingerings.