Some remarkable engraving

[John Ruggero]

I think that the following examples from the first edition of the second movement of Beethoven's piano sonata op. 10 no 2 show remarkable sensitivity on the part of the engraver, which is possibly influenced by the lost autograph.

In the first example we are directed visually to a specific interpretation: the gradual compression of the measures above the arrow indicates an accelerando that takes us at X to a long and powerful hold. The held notes are even centered in the measure like a bulls eye, the space before it suggesting a luftpause:

Bethoven op 10 no 2.2A.png (1.41 MiB) Viewed 135 times

In the second example, which is a varied, more animated return of the opening section, the passage begins similarly... but in the measure before the held chord, Beethoven writes out the left hand pattern, which expands the measure as if affected by a ritardando (shown by the backwards arrow), and this is even enhanced by the engraver with additional space. The held chord is now engraved with normal spacing, possibly indicating a lesser hold that allows the music to continue on with more momentum, and more in line with the doubled note values.

Bethoven op 10 no 2.2B.png (1.4 MiB) Viewed 135 times

Here was some engraving that may have actually pleased Beethoven, but for the loss of natural for the E nachschlag at Z in the first example!