mUltimate Chopin

Op. 42, Waltz in A♭ major

Text Compare Notes Sources Description

Issues : Authentic corrections of EE

b. 277-280

composition: Op. 42, Waltz in A♭ major

No pedalling in FEG (→GE)

Pedalling in FE & EE
..

Concurrent and undoubtedly authentic pedalling comes from FE & EE.

category imprint: Differences between sources; Corrections & alterations

issues: Authentic corrections of FE , Authentic corrections of EE

b. 281

composition: Op. 42, Waltz in A♭ major

a1 in FE0 (→FE1,FEG→GE)

a1-c2 in EE

Our variant suggestion
..

Both source versions of the 4th quaver may be authentic, yet each of them may be erroneous:

  • the version of FE and GE with single a1 may be a result of an error of the engraver of FE, noticed by Chopin only at the time of preparing the base text to EE;
  • the version of EE with the a1-c2 third may be a mistake of the engraver (the thirds on the 4th quaver of the bar are present both in the previous bars and in the next one, cf. bar 284) or a revision on the basis of the analogy with the next bar.

According to us, there are a few more arguments for a single note in this place, yet they are not conclusive. Therefore, in the main text we suggest a variant solution.

category imprint: Interpretations within context; Differences between sources

issues: EE revisions , Errors in FE , Authentic corrections of EE

b. 281

composition: Op. 42, Waltz in A♭ major

 in FEG, FE & EE

No sign in FE0 & GE
..

The last  mark in the Waltz was added by Chopin in FE and EE. The composer also wrote it into FEG (as a unique pedal marking), but the mark was not included in GE.

category imprint: Differences between sources; Corrections & alterations

issues: Errors in GE , Authentic corrections of FE , Authentic corrections of GE , Authentic corrections of EE

b. 283-285

composition: Op. 42, Waltz in A♭ major

 in bar 283 in FE

 in bar 285 in EE

FEG (→GE)
..

In each of three editions Chopin marked the ending of crescendo differently. The version of EE – if it reproduces Chopin's notation correctly – may be considered as intermediary between the shorter crescendo in FE and longer in GE. In the main text we give the version of FEG (→GE) written with the composer's hand. 

category imprint: Differences between sources

issues: Authentic corrections of FE , Authentic corrections of GE , Authentic corrections of EE

b. 284-285

composition: Op. 42, Waltz in A♭ major

a & A in FE0

e & A1 in FE1 & FEG (→GE)

e & A1 in FED (L.H.)

a & octave in EE
..

Chopin changed the original version of FE0 to a more virtuoso one and with fuller sound in FEG (→GE) and FE. The different version of EE is most probably authentic as well, while the enhancement and expansion of the sound (with respect to the original version) was reached by the undoubtedly easier pianistic grip. In the main text we give the version of two editions, FE and GE, confirmed somehow by the entry in FED indicating to take over e by the L.H. (cf. bars 283-284).

category imprint: Differences between sources; Corrections & alterations

issues: Authentic corrections of FE , Authentic corrections of GE , Authentic corrections of EE