Beethoven's Hands

[Megan]

I know this is not that important but was there a plaster cast made of Beethoven's hands, is it true he was said he had short stubby fingers? Sorry Ludwig I am trying to prove a point here. Musicality has nothing to do with finger length... I was reading a Facebook article with illustrations of musicians hands and show Beethoven with long slender fingers.

[Chris]

Long fingers are good for reaching across more keys on the piano. Other than that, I don't see why they would affect much!

[Megan]

I can just about stretch to 9 keys.

[Megan]

I was just trying to make conversation.

[Peter]

I was just trying to make conversation.

A big stretch is an advantage, for example Rachmaninov was known to be able to play 10ths as easily as octaves. I'm not sure Beethoven would have had long slender fingers, as he was of short and stocky build.

[Chris]

Yes, some of those big Rachmaninov chords would be impossible to play as written without a very large span, but it seems pianists with smaller hands have found ways to adapt.

[Sorrano]

Isn't there a story of Mozart using his nose to make the difference with a chord that spanned larger than the hands could reach?

[Megan]

Just wonder if most pianists can span a tenth.
I found that my left hand stretches easily to a 9th, but my right hand a bit more effort.... I do try to keep my hands supple, with exercising and stretches. twirling wrists a bit etc..

[Chris]

An interesting question. I wonder if anyone has thought to do a survey among pianists of different levels.

[Peter]

Alicia de Larroche had small hands, but a great technique!

[Enrique]

Another pianist with small hands is Daniel Borenboim.