Impossible note in Liebstraume?

[alpacinator1]

So, uh, how am I supposed to play that? Who can span a 12th?

Is it supposed to be split up so the top note is played with the right hand?

[davidjosepha]

almost definitely should be played with right hand. Curious why he didn't write it in the upper staff, though. Maybe to provide association as a chord with the low C, or maybe he didn't feel like adding ledger lines. You could, I guess, roll the chord, but that seems like the worse solution.

[faulty_damper]

It's supposed to be rolled with the left hand.

[j_menz]

It's supposed to be rolled with the left hand.

The editor certainly agrees, given the suggested fingering. FWIW, I also agree - and I think the tenths should also be rolled - not hugely, but rolled nonetheless.

[faulty_damper]

The main issue with rolling is musical:

1) play the bass note before the beat
2) play the bass note on the beat

If you play it before, this could mean the upper note will be played simultaneously with the melody.  Thus, the resultant 4th interval (with the melody) doesn't sound very good in this context.  If played on the beat, then there wouldn't be a 4th.  I'm still undecided on this but whether or not it's on the beat or before changes depending on the measure because the intervals change.  However, I've had satisfying results when neither of the bass notes interferes with the melody, i.e. the bass notes are played 1) before, and 2) the second note after the melody.  It adds more musical texture this way.

[erick86]

Who can span a 12th?

Rachmaninoff can.  

[j_menz]

Rachmaninoff can.  

Could, perhaps.

In any case, Liszt had never heard of him.