Moonlight sonata, note lengths inside triplets
The first triplet is very uneven. Its total length is 1/4.
Triplet 1:
A (1/8), D#(1/4), F#(1/4 divided by 3 = 1/12)
For how long should I hold A and D#? Should I hold D# with 1st finger until C# from the 2nd triplet is pressed with the 2nd finger?
Or just together with F#:
Triplet 2:
C# (1/4), F#(1/12), A(1/12)
Here I keep pressing C# with 2nd finger while playing F# (4th), A (5th)
Triplet 3 (simple):
I hold B# till the end of this triplet and the next one.
Please, explain, how to play the 1st triplet?
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Technically, it doesn't matter how long you hold those notes, because Beethoven tells you to keep the damper pedal held down for the entire first movement. Even though a modern Steinway sustains longer than his piano, some respected pianists still perform it like this.
You can see WHEN the D# and C# are played. There are no rests in the lower voice, and no overlaps. All you're really being asked to do is 'bring out' the melody A, D#, C#. Maybe easier to see if I write it separately, with the triplet indications that Beethoven has tired of writing by this point.
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