Alta Viola – Twice is better

Descriptions of musical instruments in older musical prints and manuscripts are often very individual and can give rise to speculation. For example, what exactly is meant by the term “alta viola” – a normal viola or a different instrument? Continue reading

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How does Chopin’s Second Ballade end?

Many pianists are familiar with the problem that there are different versions of the ending of Chopin’s second Ballade. The question is, why are there different versions and – perhaps even more importantly – which version is the “correct” one?  Continue reading

Posted in autograph, Ballades (Chopin), Chopin, Frédéric, first edition, Monday Postings, piano solo, versions | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Beethoven, Für Elise WoO 59 – Do you strike the right note?

d or e – that is the question … when pianists sit down to play Beethoven’s “Für Elise”. Continue reading

Posted in autograph, Beethoven, Ludwig van, first edition, Monday Postings, Piano Piece WoO 59 Für Elise (Beethoven), piano solo, sketches | Tagged , | 17 Comments