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WN 17, Polonaise in B♭ major

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b. 78

composition: WN 17, Polonaise in B♭ major

Crotchet in JC & PE

Semiquaver in EF
..

The value of the semiquaver, which was given to the a1 note from the previous bar in EF, is most probably a result of Fontana's revision. In spite of that, we adopt it for the main text, as the crotchet visible in JC and PE may suggest the necessity to hold it with fingers, which certainly does not correspond to Chopin's intentions, if we take into account the rests and the indication leggiero. 

category imprint: Differences between sources; Editorial revisions

b. 78-79

composition: WN 17, Polonaise in B♭ major

No slurs in JC & EF

Slurs in PE
..

We consider the probably authentic slurs in the L.H. present in PE.

category imprint: Differences between sources

b. 78-79

composition: WN 17, Polonaise in B♭ major

Rhythmic notation in JC

EF

PE

Our suggestion
..

In none of the sources the rhythmic notation of the accompaniment corresponds to alleged Chopin's intentions. At the same time, JC and EF recreate the notation of [AI], probably draft and inaccurate, whereas in PE we can see an attempt to read the improved and more precise notation of [A]. In the main text we propose a notation modelled on PE, which, according to us, most accurately recreates the notation intended by Chopin.

category imprint: Differences between sources

b. 78-79

composition: WN 17, Polonaise in B♭ major

No markings in JC

Pedalling in EF

Pedalling in PE
..

In the main text we give the pedalling of PE, which reveals all possible authentic features – the fact that the pedalling is indicated only in bar 78 may be related to the presence of the bass note in a lower register (E). The conventional, combined only with harmonic changes, pedalling of EF is probably an addition by Fontana. Cf. bars 80-81.

category imprint: Differences between sources

b. 79-80

composition: WN 17, Polonaise in B♭ major

No markings in JC

cresc.  in EF

sempre piano in PE
..

In the main text we give the dynamic markings of PE, which probably correspond to the latest Chopin's concept. The markings of EF, presenting a different dynamic concept, are probably an addition by Fontana. Cf. bars 80-81.

category imprint: Differences between sources