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Issues : Balakirev's revisions

b. 45-47

composition: WN 37, Lento con gran espressione

2 slurs in A1

Slur in bar 47 in CJ, CK & EL

Slur in bars 46-47 in CB

Our variant suggestion
..

In the main text we suggest the slur over the g1-g2 octave, present only in A1, in a variant form. The slur of CB, repeated after the authentic slur in analogous b. 5-6, is probably an arbitrary addition of Balakirev. 

category imprint: Differences between sources; Editorial revisions

issues: Balakirev's revisions

b. 48

composition: WN 37, Lento con gran espressione

No sign in A1

in CJ & CK

in CB

in EL
..

We keep the notation of CJ and CK. The moved or prolonged  hairpin is probably a result of Balakirev's revision in CB, and in the case of EL of Kolberg, Szulc or the engraver.

category imprint: Differences between sources

issues: Scope of dynamic hairpins , Balakirev's revisions

b. 48

composition: WN 37, Lento con gran espressione

6+5 notes in A1 & EL

5+6 notes in CJ & CK

6+5 notes in CB
..

In A1 Chopin repeated here the rhythm of analogous b. 15. It must be the initial version, which is additionally proven by the chromatic orthography, left unchanged (c3 instead of d3 – cf. the note to b. 15). According to Chopin's intention, the rhythmic variation of the version of [A2] (→CJ,CK) was most probably related to a subtle differentiation of the character of this figure, which seems to be more of a declamatory nature at the beginning of the discussed bar. It is puzzling how the initial rhythm ended up in CB and EL, since neither Balakirev nor Kolberg nor Szulc had access to A1. According to us, in both sources an arbitrary change was performed on the basis of comparison with b. 15, in which the rhythm creates a smooth, natural accelerando of the descending sequence. In EL the change was introduced only just in print, which is proven by the notes having been arranged according to the rhythm of CJ and CK.

category imprint: Interpretations within context; Differences between sources; Corrections & alterations

issues: Main-line changes , Balakirev's revisions , Revisions in EL

b. 48-62

composition: WN 37, Lento con gran espressione

No slurs in A1, CJ, CK & EL

Slurs in CB
..

In CB all L.H. quavers are provided with slurs grouped by four quavers – see b. 6-19. Due to the presence of slurs in other sources, we discuss b. 49, 55 and 58 separately.

category imprint: Differences between sources

issues: Balakirev's revisions

b. 49-50

composition: WN 37, Lento con gran espressione

No slurs in A1 & EL

Slur in bar 49 in CJ & CK

Slur in bars 49-50 in CB

2 slurs suggested by the editors
..

In the main text we give the slur of [A2] (→CJ,CK) in b. 49 and add another one in b. 50. The absence of the slur in EL – see b. 5-6. The slur of CB is arbitrary.

category imprint: Differences between sources; Editorial revisions

issues: Balakirev's revisions