Beethoven Pathetique : broken octaves

[worov]

Hi, everyone!

I'm currently working on Beethoven's Sonata no.8 opus 13. I'm using the ABRSM edition, edited by Tovey and Craxton.

In the first movement, during the passage with broken octaves (bars 79-100), there is a strange fingering at bar 83 : Craxton suggests to play the E natural octave with 3 (the one I have circled in red).



Am I supposed to play this octave using 3 and 5 ? I have big hands (I can reach a tenth) but this is a uncomfortable and awkward. Is this a misprint ?

Thanks in advance.

[pianist1976]

It looks like a misprint. My guess is that the three fingering belongs to the next note (C).

[bronnestam]

Yes, it is a misprint just as pianist1976 says. The best way to practice these bars is to play them as chord blocks instead of broken chords. Then you will feel right away what fingering to use! I have small hands and I can do it with ease.

[worov]

Thank you both of you for your insight. That's what I thought.

The best way to practice these bars is to play them as chord blocks instead of broken chords. Then you will feel right away what fingering to use! I have small hands and I can do it with ease.

I'll give it a try.

Have a nice day.