mUltimate Chopin

Op. 30 No. 4, Mazurka in C# minor

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Issues : Authentic corrections of FC

b. 39

composition: Op. 30 No. 4, Mazurka in C# minor

Long accent in FC (→GE)

No mark in FE (→EE)
..

The long accent was written into FC by Chopin.

category imprint: Differences between sources

issues: Authentic corrections of FC

b. 46-48

composition: Op. 30 No. 4, Mazurka in C# minor

in FC (→GE)

in b. 48 in FE (→EE)

Our variant suggestion
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Such differences, sometimes significant, in the notation of pedal release can be found in Chopin's pieces a few times, mainly in the context of dissonant melodic elements overlapping the dying sound of the bass note, e.g. in the Barcarolle, Op. 60, bar 115 or in the Prelude in C minor, Op. 45, bars 5-6 and analog. On the basis thereof, one could assume that Chopin meant gradual pedal release, the so-called diminuendo pedal, in the case of which it is impossible to define the exact moment the pedal should be released (in other similar situations Chopin did not put a  mark after a  mark at all, e.g. in the Nocturne in F minor, Op. 48 No. 2, bars 112-114). Taking into account the above, in the main text we give both source  marks, regarding them not as an alternative, but as extreme possibilities between which one can look for one's own sonically satisfying solution. 

category imprint: Differences between sources

issues: Authentic corrections of FE , Authentic corrections of FC

b. 49-52

composition: Op. 30 No. 4, Mazurka in C# minor

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The pedalling in bars 49-52 and further on (to bar 61) in FC was added by Chopin. Therefore, the composer must have also added it while proofreading FE.

category imprint: Source & stylistic information

issues: Authentic corrections of FE , Authentic corrections of FC

b. 55-57

composition: Op. 30 No. 4, Mazurka in C# minor

 &  in FC (→GE)

poco ritenuto, in tempo & sempre piano in FE

poco ritenuto, a tempo & sempre piano in EE
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The  indication in bar 55 was added to FC by Chopin;  in bar 57 most probably too. This means that the 3 different indications visible in FE were also added to a text devoid of markings, probably in the stage of proofreading. Given uncertainty on the chronology of the Chopinesque corrections in FC, the basis for FE and the very FE, in the main text we provide the version of the principal source, FC. It introduces dynamic contrast, so typical of this opus. Moreover, both versions are undoubtedly authentic and can be regarded as equal.

category imprint: Differences between sources

issues: Authentic corrections of FE , Authentic corrections of FC

b. 69-73

composition: Op. 30 No. 4, Mazurka in C# minor

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The dynamic indications, cresc. - - - , were added to FC by Chopin, hence they were probably also added in the stage of proofreading FE or to the basis thereof.

category imprint: Corrections & alterations; Source & stylistic information

issues: Authentic corrections of FE , Authentic corrections of FC