Short quetion about Beethoven's 7th sonata.

[prestoconfuocco]

In the first movement, starting at bar 44 I think, how do you think it should be played?

Starts at 00:46.

Starts at 00:54.

According to the sheet music, Gilels version is what Beethoven wanted.
But I think I like the first version better (Played as four semiquavers), and it's also better because it establishes the four-note theme Beethoven constantly uses in this movement. (D, C#, B, A - the first four notes in the movement.)
So what's better - the version Beethoven wanted or the version that helps in establishing the four-note motif?

[j_menz]

I believe Koblar, as much as Gilels, believed she is playing "what Beethoven wanted". Barenboim does the same thing. Indeed, the first edition doesn't have the cross on the grace notes, so Koblar is perfectly consistent with that. Editions vary.

Personally, I prefer a shorter D and a longer C#, but not so much as Gilels and not accented in the manner he does - more like Koblar and Barenboim, but with more emphasis on the C# both in terms of length and volume. I think it makes a nice contrast to the more straightforward treatment this figure is given elsewhere and makes it a more flexible motif.