Appassionata, 2nd movement question?

[schwartzer]

Hello guys, been lurking around these forums for a bit, and finally created an account.

I did so to ask a simple question. In the third (fast) variation of the 2nd movement, located in the 4th page of the sheet music, is there any pedal involved? I already got all the notes down, but can seem to produce a good sound like in Kempf's or Arrau's recordings.

So, any tips?

[kalirren]

I think it's fine to use pedal there - just make you're not using it to substitute for finger legato when you should be using finger legato.

The way to make sure of this is to practice without pedal.

[schwartzer]

Thanks for the answer!

Yeah, I was thinking to use the pedal there, but for example, in the beggining of the variation you play a G#, followed by a A# and a G# again in the right hand. Should I just use finger legato here or should I use the pedal? The problem with using the pedal here is that the notes on the left hand sound pretty dissonant.

I'm asking here since my teacher is on vacation, and there'll be another week till' I see him.

Thanks in advance!

[quantum]

Try using touches of pedal, as opposed to flooring it.  Always listen carefully to the sound your making, your ear is an excellent teacher.  

Sure your teacher will be able to tell you want sounds good in lesson, but lessons are different than performances.  In a performance, on an unfamiliar piano, in unfamiliar acoustics, it is your own ear that will help you execute a successful musical expression.  

***

Beethoven may have used the pedal very differently due to the instruments of his day, of which had much less resonance than modern pianos.  He may have even held the pedal down for a long periods across contrasting harmonic progressions.   

[kalirren]

Are you learning this from synthesia alone?  The piece is written in flats, that's why I ask.  You wouldn't have said G#-A#-G# if you'd been reading the score, which reads Ab-Bb-Ab.

There are no rests between those three notes in the RH, so you should be prepared to use finger legato.  What will make the decision for you is if you want the left hand to be sustained or not.  Personally I prefer highlighting the low Db's in the left hand, between the sforzandi, by lifting the pedal just before them.

I guess the harmonic change forces you to clear the pedal then, too.

[eherrera]

This is my first post, but I have followed this forum on and off for years. The second movement of the 'Appasionata' is one of my favorites. For the last variation, I use half pedal and follow the harmonic changes. I also think it depends on your personal preference and the specific piano; for a more sparkling performance I use less pedal. I would just experiment with the piece several different ways and find the best interpretation that works for you. As with any Beethoven piece, this movement can seem deceptively simple, and there is always more you can do with it. Some performers seem to bring out certain bass notes almost as accent notes to the main melody in the top. The possibilities are endless, and it really is a fun piece to play.

[schwartzer]

Thanks so much for all the help!

About the synthesia question, I'm learning from an online sheet and I know that it's in Db, but I don't know why I wrote that as sharp. Guess I thought something and wrote something else.

I've been half pedalling in this variation and it definately sounds much better. Now all I need is to speed up by just a little bit, and I'll be able to say I've quite learned this piece.

Thanks again guys, it's been of great help!