The dynamic markings written by Chopin in FEcor are compatible with the visible in this Etude tendency to sketch only a general framework of dynamic details. Lack of the indication of the scope of crescendo, which started in bar 15, may however suggest – according to us, falsely – that it is valid until bar 17, in which dim. appears. This sensation is confirmed with more precise indications of Ap, which clearly indicate the climax at the beginning of bar 16.
In the main text we leave the indications of FEcor unchanged, as we believe that the precise phrasing details naturally result from the shape of the figurations' line. Using here the indications of Ap is certainly possible and justified.
In FE (→GE,EE) dim., which in FEcor begins at the end of the 1st half of bar 17, was placed slightly later, on the 3rd beat of the bar, which, according to us, renders Chopin's intention less accurately.
The unconditional dynamic markings in bars 16 and 18 require a separate commentary – Ap has at the beginning of each of these bars. In this case, it is hard to consider the lack of these indications in the version prepared for printing as a minor detail. According to us, it is a component of a mature sound concept of the entire Etude, both as an independent piece and a part of the cycle. The concept, which received its final shape only during the preparations of Op. 10 for publication, also includes the unified articulation of the accompanying voices – both in the right hand and the left one – of the main line of figurations.
category imprint: Differences between sources; Corrections & alterations
issues: Authentic corrections of FE
notation: Verbal indications
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