Haydn Hob. XVI:35

[cas70]

Should the grace note near the end of the first measure in Haydn's c major sonata Hob. XVI:35 be played on the beat or before the beat?

[niluh01]

I am replying quite late, not too sure, if you still want an answer. I would play it before the beat.

[asiantraveller101]

Appogiatura, esp. in Classical and Baroque, is usually played ON the beat.

[niluh01]

I would however say, that in this case it can be played before the beat; just listen to several recordings of this piece and most pianists will have played it before the beat.

[cas70]

Thanks for your replies.  I know this is just a small detail, but it does make a little difference in the sound, and I wonder how Haydn intended it.  I've come to think that one might play it either way depending on your personal taste.  I was curious if there was perhaps some performance tradition, maybe reaching back to Haydn himself.  Judging from the lack of definitive replies, I'm guessing that there is not such a tradition.