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Op. 12, Variations in B♭ major

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Verbal indications

b. 78

composition: Op. 12, Variations in B♭ major

in FE, contextual interpretation

rf in GE & EE
..

In FE we can see here "zf", which we change to the correct . We discuss in detail the issue of the Chopinesque notation of forzato and its variants in other sources in the note in bar 1. In GE and EE the abbreviation was arbitrarily revised: zf was replaced by rf. 

category imprint: Interpretations within context; Differences between sources

issues: EE revisions , Inaccuracies in FE , GE revisions

b. 88

composition: Op. 12, Variations in B♭ major

in FE (→EE)

 in GE
..

The change of  to  in GE is probably an arbitrary revision by the publisher or even a mistake. A possible correction by Chopin seems much less likely due to the musically unjustified, excessive contrast with , in force from bar 86 and in bar 88 (the Chopinesque  in bar 92 follows  and constitutes a spectacular and definite ending to the variation – cf. also the dynamics in bars 58-62).

category imprint: Differences between sources

issues: GE revisions

b. 93

composition: Op. 12, Variations in B♭ major

scherz. in FE (→EE)

Scherzo in GE

scherzando suggested by editors
..

The Chopinesque scherz. abbreviation is undoubtedly meant to be read as scherzando, as in bar 173, in which any other interpretation is out of the question. Scherzo in GE must be a misunderstanding or simply a mistake. In the main text we write the abbreviation in full to avoid confusion.

category imprint: Interpretations within context; Differences between sources; Editorial revisions

issues: GE revisions

b. 93

composition: Op. 12, Variations in B♭ major

in b. 93 in sources

 at end of b. 92 suggested by editors
..

We put the  indication at the beginning of the variation, as there is no doubt that the upbeat is to be performed using the same dynamics (it absolutely cannot be , which appears half a bar earlier). The position of the marking in FE, if it is compliant with [A], provides an example for the manner of writing indications within their scope, and not at the beginning, e.g. in the first bar of a piece, disregarding the upbeat. This manner can be encountered in Chopin's works. Placing the mark over the top stave could have resulted from the lack of space between the staves, as it is difficult to assume that it was supposed to concern the R.H. only.

category imprint: Differences between sources; Editorial revisions

issues: Placement of markings , Centrally placed marks

b. 101

composition: Op. 12, Variations in B♭ major

in FE (→GE), contextual interpretation

rf in EE
..

In FE (→GE) we can see here "zf", which we change to the correct . The issue of the Chopinesque notation of forzato and its variants in other sources is discussed in detail in the note in bar 1. EE opted for a different version (arbitrarily), suggesting rf.

category imprint: Interpretations within context; Differences between sources

issues: EE revisions , Inaccuracies in FE