Lack of slur in Beethoven alberti bass

[scottpilgrim]

Are alberti patterns in the left hand in Beethoven assumed to be legato? In my henle edition of his sonata 19 1st movement in measures 51-57 the LH is not marked to be legato and then in 58-61 it is marked, then in 62 again it's no longer marked. Is there supposed to be a difference in how each section is played?

[rachorascho]

I do not have awareness about this concrete place in this Beethoven, but as you mentioned henle edition, I guess it is urtext. I do not know if you have already tried it, but maybe that sections in preface would answer your question. They often explain, why they have decided for some things that do not seem logically.

[dw4rn]

Hi scottpilgrim,

Really interesting question! I don't think you could claim that alberti patterns in Beethoven are in every case assumed to be legato, but I think it's definitely reasonable to think that these are. I think most pianists would play them legato.

On the other hand, there must be some reason why he slurred measures 58-61.

I'm speculating here, but perhaps he wants to point out the melodic element in the left hand here (f#-g#-g#-a-g)? In the preceding bars it's just broken chords.

[lelle]

Since the slur is in a few specific locations in the Urtext I'd do something with it. Perhaps play it more legato, emphasize the implied voice more, play it with more musical tension, or all of the above, compared to the "normal" alberti bases.