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Op. 12, Variations in B♭ major

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b. 7

composition: Op. 12, Variations in B♭ major

3 fingering digits in FE (→GE)

5 digits in EE
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category imprint: Differences between sources

issues: EE revisions

b. 7-8

composition: Op. 12, Variations in B♭ major

Slur to b. 8 in FE (→GE,EE), possible interpretation

Slur in b. 7, interpretation suggested by editors
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The slurring in the sources is unclear – the slur at the end of the line (in bar 7) reaches only the last semiquaver, so it is not known what continues the slur reaching the g2 crotchet at the beginning of bar 8. In the editors' opinion, leading the slur to the crotchet in bar 8 is less natural due to the repeated striking of this note and the accent. Therefore, we consider it more likely that the slur in bar 8 was mistakenly engraved.

category imprint: Editorial revisions

issues: Inaccuracies in FE , Uncertain slur continuation

b. 7-8

composition: Op. 12, Variations in B♭ major

Accent & in FE (→GE,EE)

Long accents suggested by editors
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Despite the difference in size and positioning of the signs – accent and  hairpin – the musical context indicates that in both cases Chopin probably had a long accent in mind. The notation of such accents was not always precise even in autographs, and inaccuracies in their reproduction by engravers were very common – see e.g. Etude in A minor, Op. 10 No. 2, bars 12 or 25-26.

category imprint: Graphic ambiguousness; Editorial revisions

issues: Long accents

b. 10

composition: Op. 12, Variations in B♭ major

Wedges in FE

Staccato dots in GE

No marks in EE

Crotchets suggested by the editors
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Taking into account the e and f minims in the preceding bar and the absence of pedal markings, we assume that the most likely scenario is that the FE engraver mistook the crotchet stems (pointing upwards) prolonging g and g for wedges. In the main text we also move the legato indication, in this context most probably meant to indicate "harmonic legato". GE replacing wedges by staccato dots is a part of revision, encompassing the entire Variations – see the note in bar 7. The missing marks in EE are due to an oversight or revision. 

category imprint: Differences between sources; Editorial revisions

issues: Errors in FE , Errors in EE , GE revisions

b. 11

composition: Op. 12, Variations in B♭ major

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In the main text we include the cautionary  to e2, added in GE2.

category imprint: Differences between sources; Editorial revisions

issues: GE revisions