Debussy's Prelude, fingering notation question

[templae]

Hi!

Im studying Debussys prelude 8 from book. I and the fingering in the score suggests that i play the first note with the third finger, and then the fifth. Change of finger within the same note (see the attached picture).

Have i understood it correctly ? If so, whats the point of it ?

/ J

[zezhyrule]

My Durand edition of the Debussy Preludes doesn't have any fingering, so I'll assume that's not Debussy's suggestion. I'm guessing it has something to do with tone, since it's the first note in the piece maybe your third finger can produce a better sound than your fifth in this situation, or something. I really have no idea, just guessing.

It is just a suggestion though, so you don't have to follow it.

[drkilroy]

I guess you should play the note with third finger, as it is stronger than fifth and you shall get a better tone, and then change to fifth finger to play the next notes comfortably.

Best regards, Dr

[j_menz]

I can't see any reason why you shouldn't be able to produce the same tone with your fifth as with your third finger.  That being the case, the fingering given is nonsense.

It appears, however, that some here find otherwise.

So, if you feel that your third finger gives a better sound, use it and change, otherwise, start with the fifth and hang the suggestion.

[templae]

There is no given explanation to this fenomen? there must be, because i see this fingering quite often in pieces..

but thanks for shedding light on the issue..!

[counterpoint]

There is no given explanation to this fenomen? there must be, because i see this fingering quite often in pieces..

It's the belief in "good fingers" and "weak fingers" which leads to these fingerings (strike the note with 3 and changing to another one which is more fitting the melody line)

There's no real need to do so, but it is a common habit of many pianists.

[templae]

Sounds logical..   thanks for the feedback!