Physical impossibility!

[tryer]

I'm a self-taught player of 2 years so have a long way to go. However, I was having a muck about (as you do) and having a go at the Moonlight Sonata (obviously, not a serious attempt as it's far too advanced) and I could not even begin to make the big stretches. Which brings me to the question is it physically possible for a woman to playi it?  If I've misread the score, please bear with me!


Tryer

[jas]

The first and third movements have ninths, if that's what you mean. It took me a while to comfortably play the ones in the first movement, and the third movement I still find tiring because it's got a lot more movement. I used to have trouble stretching an octave (and my left hand still isn't nearly as flexible as my right), but as you practice your hands will become more flexible. Just be patient, do some gentle stetching exercises and don't hurt yourself by trying to make your hands stretch that far if they don't want to!

Jas

[alzado]

If you are just playing for your own enjoyment, consider doing some rewriting.

It might take some trial and error to get a pleasing sound.

I do a limited amount of this.  Most recently with some fairly difficult arrangements of christmas carols.

Good luck!

[ada]

Don't be silly! Of course a woman can play it 

 You can work at improving flexibility by rolling the notes at first.

Or try a piece that isn't so uncomfortable. If you're experiencing discomfort you're probably not up to the piece yet.

 On the other hand (no pun intended) if you have unusually small hands and it really is a physical impossibility just accept the fact that you may never be able to play the Moonlight. It's not the end of the world. There are plenty of other options.

good luck

[steve jones]

Also, dont forget that many of those ninths can be fingered so that the bottom notes are taken by the LH. Try looking at some other editions to find one where the fingering suits you better.