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Op. 29, Impromptu in A♭ major

Text Compare Notes Sources Description

Issues : EE revisions

b. 74

composition: Op. 29, Impromptu in A♭ major

 
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The sources differ in the rhythmic values of particular chord components, which probably stems from the notation of the manuscripts, which were either unclear or unintelligible for the engravers. A may be interpreted in 2 ways: it is not certain whether 3 lower notes of the chord are supposed to be minims or semi breves. The second notation is rhythmically exact, yet the notation of the last quaver with the stem directed downwards suggests that Chopin understood the ending of the bar monophonically. Considering the fact that Chopin would sometimes write chord components without stems (in the case of crotchets it does not lead to misunderstandings), we see that the notation in A may be understood in such way as it was done in GE. Together with the application of authentic pedalling its sound equals the notation with semi breves; practically, it is even closer to the real performance (the c1 note cannot be held longer than for a minim, as it is struck in the L.H.). 

category imprint: Interpretations within context; Differences between sources

issues: EE revisions , Errors in FE , Different values of chord components

b. 74

composition: Op. 29, Impromptu in A♭ major

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The first grace note in EE has the form of a small semiquaver. It is difficult to determine whether it is coherent with the notation of the manuscript (with the small semiquaver or slashed quaver) which served as the base text for this edition.

category imprint: Differences between sources

issues: EE revisions , Notation of grace notes

b. 78

composition: Op. 29, Impromptu in A♭ major

 
 
 
 
 
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The beginning of the trill is recorded in the sources in many ways. The notation of A, GE and EE is the same, as far as the sound is concerned. The distinctly different version of FE raises doubts which are not dissipated even by the correction inscribed into FES.

category imprint: Interpretations within context; Differences between sources

issues: Annotations in teaching copies , EE revisions

b. 81

composition: Op. 29, Impromptu in A♭ major

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Lack of the naturals next to e2 and e1 in A and FE was added in GE (next to e1) and in EE (in both places). Chopin certainly considered the previously placed natural next to e3 as valid in the entire bar. 

category imprint: Differences between sources

issues: EE revisions , Accidentals in different octaves

b. 103

composition: Op. 29, Impromptu in A♭ major

 
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GE and EE have a different system of quaver ties – it must be an arbitrary change. We adopt the notation of A.

category imprint: Differences between sources

issues: EE revisions , GE revisions