The mark present in A (→GE) is much longer than the long accents in analogous bar 94, 261 and 265; it is also the only one put under the stave. This suggests that its meaning is different and consequently its performance. Nevertheless, in the main text we suggest a standard long accent mark, as in analogous bars. The solution is supported by the following arguments:
- there are no musical reasons for a different mark in this place, since the performance is not that different from the other places;
- the length of Chopinesque long accents may differ, hence the very size of the mark does not have to exclude it as an accent. Its other features fit the pattern of a long accent – the mark is quite narrow (cf. the
in bar 93 and 97), while its range encompasses only one note; - there is a possible reason why the mark was placed under the stave, unlike the other accents in analogous bars – it is only in this phrase that the R.H. two-part writing begins already in the first bar, with the melodic voice, led in octaves, being written as the bottom one. In accordance with the notation rules, indications concerning the bottom voice are to be placed under the stave.
The absence of the mark in FE (→EE) probably resulted from the fact that Chopin was adding dynamic markings concerning this fragment to A and [FC] or FE1 at a different time.
Compare the passage in the sources »
category imprint: Differences between sources; Editorial revisions
issues: Long accents
notation: Articulation, Accents, Hairpins
