mUltimate Chopin

Text Compare Notes Sources Description

Issues : Errors in the number of ledger lines

b. 24

composition: Op. 10 No 5, Etude in G♭ major

e3 in A (→FE→GE,EE)

g3 in FES
..

According to us, the change of e3 to g3 written by Chopin in FES is a correction of the error of A and the remaining sources. Locally, the version with e3 – in bars 23-24 – is perfectly correct, yet in combination with the following bar, the note does not find a natural continuation (to d3), and, what is more important, it significantly weakens the effect of the constant g3 note, being an axis of the combination of chords in bars 24 and 25. In addition, Chopin's fingering in this place suggests a more significant distance than a fifth.  

category imprint: Interpretations within context; Differences between sources

issues: Terzverschreibung error , Errors in the number of ledger lines , Errors of A

b. 26

composition: WN 17, Polonaise in B♭ major

a1 in JC

f1 in EF & PE
..

On the 4th quaver of the bar, JC has the a1 note, similarly as on the second. It is almost certainly a mistake, perhaps of Chopin himself committed in [AI]. Such a type of errors belongs to the most often both in autographs and copies.

category imprint: Differences between sources

issues: Terzverschreibung error , Errors in the number of ledger lines , Errors of JC

b. 31-32

composition: Op. 10 No 9, Etude in F minor

..

In both bars AI features a1 as the 5th semiquaver (the note is written only in bar 31, as bar 32 is briefly marked as repetition of the previous one). This pianistically and sonically awkward version is certainly a mistake, which is revealed by the compatible version of the remaining sources, as well as the comparison with analogous bars 35-36.

category imprint: Differences between sources

issues: Terzverschreibung error , Errors in the number of ledger lines

b. 39

composition: Op. 10 No 10, Etude in A♭ major

Octave in A

Sixth in FE (→GE,EE)
..

Despite the fact that the a2-a3 octave is possible as far as the sound is concerned (cf. the Prelude in F minor, Op. 28 No. 8, bars 6 and 20), Chopin's mistake seems to be almost certain here, even due to the pianistic issues. The conclusion is confirmed by Chopin's proofreading performed in this place in FE (→GE,EE). 

category imprint: Interpretations within context; Differences between sources

issues: Terzverschreibung error , Errors in the number of ledger lines , Errors of A , Authentic corrections of FE

b. 44

composition: Op. 27 No 2, Nocturne in D♭ major

..

In the majority of sources there is no  raising f3 to f sharp3. The sharp was added only in GE2. 

For writing that note Chopin used 4 ledger lines (one too many). He corrected his mistake by deleting the lowest ledger line. Interestingly, it seems that the engraver of GE did not notice the correction, as that edition has got visible traces of moving the note head down by a third. 

category imprint: Differences between sources; Corrections & alterations

issues: Accidentals in different octaves , Terzverschreibung error , GE revisions , Errors in the number of ledger lines