Piano fingering, the assignment of specific fingers to notes, is a cornerstone of piano technique, influencing fluency, articulation, and musical expression. This research provides a comparative analysis of fingering principles documented in historical treatises (e.g., by C.P.E. Bach, Czerny) and those advocated in modern pedagogical approaches.

Areas of Comparison

• Use of the Thumb: Evolution from restricted use to a pivotal role in scale and arpeggio playing.
• Finger Crossings and Substitutions: Historical conventions versus modern flexibility and efficiency.
• Hand Position and Weight Distribution: How fingering choices reflect underlying concepts of hand posture and arm weight.
• Expressive Intent: The relationship between fingering and articulation, phrasing, and tonal color in different historical periods.

Methodology

The study involves a detailed review of primary historical sources, including treatises, annotated scores, and performer accounts. This is contrasted with contemporary fingering practices as taught in major conservatories and documented in modern editions of piano repertoire. Biomechanical considerations and case studies of complex passages from various composers (e.g., Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, Liszt) are analyzed.

Significance

Understanding the evolution of fingering principles provides pianists and educators with a richer context for making informed technical and interpretive decisions. This research, to be published as a chapter in the upcoming book 'The Pianist's Craft,' aims to bridge historical knowledge with contemporary performance needs, fostering a more versatile and historically aware approach to piano playing.