mUltimate Chopin

Op. 39, Scherzo in C♯ minor

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b. 4-6

composition: Op. 39, Scherzo in C♯ minor

Slur in EE and FE

Slur in GC

Slur in GE
..

Differences in the slur scope are probably the result of Chopin's inaccurate notation in the autograph (or autographs). As all the sources are unanimous in a similar situation found in bars 12-14, we are allowed to consider the slur of GE as best reflecting the composer's intention.

category imprint: Graphic ambiguousness; Differences between sources

issues: Inaccuracies in GC

b. 5-6

composition: Op. 39, Scherzo in C♯ minor

No slur in EE

Slur in GC (→GE)

Slur in FE
..

The slur in GC (→GE), embracing the entire bar 5, is probably imprecise – cf. the slur of the upper voice and a similar situation in bars 13-14. This is probably due to misunderstanding the notation of the autograph (not very precise itself) by the copyist. In the main text we give the slur of FE. The notation of EE (no slur above the lower staff) may be regarded as the original revision of the slurring of that motif (similarly in bars 13-14).

category imprint: Differences between sources

issues: Inaccuracies in GC

b. 5

composition: Op. 39, Scherzo in C♯ minor

A long accent in EE and GC

Short accent in FE

Two accents in GE
..

In the main text we give the long accent, as can be seen in EE and GC. The placement and type of accent in FE (a short one above the L.H. minim) may have resulted from difficulties with deciphering the graphics of the hand-written base text. GE has the accent taken from  GC and another one, above the minim c in the L.H. This is certainly a revision, one of many of that type. 

category imprint: Differences between sources

issues: GE revisions

b. 5

composition: Op. 39, Scherzo in C♯ minor

..

Missing from GC is the  lowering G to G. The accidental was added in GE, the remaining sources also have it in place.

category imprint: Differences between sources

issues: GE revisions , Inaccuracies in GC

b. 6

composition: Op. 39, Scherzo in C♯ minor

Staccato dot in EE and GE

Wedge in GC

No mark in FE
..

The staccato sign in EE and GC (→GE) is doubtless authentic. In our main text we give the wedge recorded in GC, as publishers often replaced Chopin's wedges with dots, considering the former to be inaccurate or hasty renditions of the latter (this was a rule for GE, cf. e.g. a characteristic of the B&H edition in the Nocturne in D major Op. 27 no. 2).

category imprint: Differences between sources

issues: Inaccuracies in GE , Wedges