Mazeppa please help

[david456103]

I started learning Liszt's TE#4 around 2 weeks ago, and I'm REALLy struggling getting the opening theme completely articulate. I currently use 1-3, 2-4, 3-5 fingering in the right hand and I find it really hard(especially with 2-4 and 3-5) to make every note clear. Does anyone want to recommend alternate fingerings for this section? Any help is appreciated!

[j_menz]

Liszt himself suggested 24 24 24, alternating RH with LH.  My understanding is he believed this gave the best simulation of a galloping horse.

[stoudemirestat]

It might be difficult, but anything other than 24 is going against Liszt's intentions for the piece.

[emrysmerlin]

I've played the 2nd page, and I dare say that Liszt's fingering is by far the easiest I know of.

[p2u_]

Liszt himself suggested 24 24 24, alternating RH with LH.  My understanding is he believed this gave the best simulation of a galloping horse.

Besides, in the technical sense, it is also the best fingering to prevent collapse in the hand's structure without having to fix or brace the fingers. Hooves are to prevent collapsed heels in horses, so the association is a nice one to remember for anyone attempting this piece...

Paul

[the89thkey]

I agree with other posts on this page. When I learned this I used Liszt's fingering.