b. 277

No sign in A (→GE)

in FE (→EE)

In addition to the accent over the R.H. chord – see the preceding note – FE (→EE) also includes a  hairpin whose range is similar to the one we can see in this edition in similar bar 110, 112, 114, not to mention the A and FE marks in bar 279. A similar range suggests a similar function; however, the question is why in this one place there are two different marks from among those that we encounter individually in similar bars. There are few available explanations:

  1. Chopinesque proofreading of the inaccurate  hairpin. Compared to other places provided with similar marks, in this case the  hairpin begins between notes, hence it does not indicate the one from which the dynamic change is supposed to start. The accent could have been added as a makeshift, simplified correction of this inaccuracy.
  2. Chopinesque proofreading of an inaccurate (short) accent. The  could have been added as its simplified extension, which would not require the mark to be erased by the engraver (which was cumbersome).
  3. One of the marks was added here by mistake. Taking into account the fact that the accent in FE is put in the same place as the accent (long) in A, it could be assumed that the wrong mark is the discussed  hairpin.
  4. Chopinesque addition. As in point 2, the  mark would have been added by Chopin to [FC] or FE and would have corresponded to his intention. Therefore, this bar would be marked differently, in an exceptional manner, for some reason.

According to us, the last possibility is highly unlikely, hence it is questionable whether the mark is compliant with Chopin's intention.

category imprint: Differences between sources

notation: Articulation, Accents, Hairpins

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