OK, things are going swimmingly at the moment for me and this piece, but I have a small query regarding fingerings in one of the bars.

Just noticed my edition doesn't have bar numbers, but I'll count up to it anyway... bars 31 + 33.

I am using the left hand to play the two bottom F#s - and then using the right hand to awkwardly spread the notes out after that...is there any easier way to do this?

Many thanks

The Weiner Urtext edition has some fingering for those bars. I play the 2 F# & then the C#, E, F#, A, & C# with my left hand so I can hold the right hand C# & A - then play the remaining 5 notes of the bar with my right hand. Does that help at all?

Excellent, yeah that makes more sense. The note stems change directions after that middle C#, so that was a bit of a hint that I missed!

Glad it's helped - looking forward to hearing it . The bar I have the most trouble with in the entire piece is bar 36- specifically the 2nd half - the 2 RH chords . How are you getting on with that bit?

Yes that odd triplet run..it's awkward to say the least. I love 37 though, that big fat old bottom E...muahaha...

I'm worried about that piano in the hall at Woodford though. I seem the remember the pedal being verrrry heavy. And I'm not used to grands.

I'm sure you will be fine .
Are you playing from memory?

I hope to be. Probably will - hands are doing too much to be looking at the score...

Yes - you're right about that
So when are you takking grade 8 then?

I don't mind playing pieces of the standard...but scales and aurals do my head in. So does sight-reading, come to that....

Scales in 6ths are incompatible with my brain I think ....

Most scales are incompatible with mine - gah!

I suppose I could make the effort one day. But not just now.

So long as you're enjoying playing - that's the most important thing . I think a lot of people forget that & measure everything in terms of exams

Yep, I certainly used to measure it in terms of exams. I don't want to bother, just want to play. Because after all that's what it's for...

...& far more useful to be able to play something for people rather than have to say "I've done X grade & can play some scales but can't actually play you anything.."

For sure! I have a whole list of pieces I'd like to try and play....