



|
2 staccato dots & slur in A, literal reading |
|
|
||
![]() |
Dot & slur in A, possible interpretation |
|
![]() |
Slur in A, different interpretation |
|
![]() |
2 dots in A, contextual interpretation |
According to us, when interpreted literally, the A notation is an example of an uncontrolled change to the concept of articulation markings (another example – see I mov., bar 102). Chopin probably wanted to replace one or both staccato dots with a slur or the other way round. We consider the latter to be more likely – initially, the composer wanted to diversify the bass articulation by writing slurs in bars 219-220 and 220-221; then he decided to use a slur only the second time, to emphasise the modulating B-c
step, while in bar 219 he added dots. Therefore, in the main text we keep only the staccato dots, being probably the later concept.
The use of wedges in GE (→FE,EE,IE) was an arbitrary decision by the engraver of GE, as in bars 216-217.
Compare the passage in the sources »
category imprint: Graphic ambiguousness; Differences between sources; Editorial revisions
issues: Inaccuracies in GE, Wedges, Partial corrections
notation: Slurs, Articulation, Accents, Hairpins