Three versions of slurring of this bar constitute the first example of a problem which is present in the entire Ballade. As far as the notation of slurs is concerned, significant differences appear on a number of occasions and they concern all sources, which results from the inaccurate notation of slurs in manuscripts, both in A and in GC. The slurs in A resemble one long line whose shape represents the shape of melody rather than the form of a slur, which, from time to time, is separated with smaller or bigger gaps. However, it cannot be clearly stated whether these gaps are planned breaths in the phrasing or an inaccurate link while extending the handwritten line. The endings of the part preceding the gap and of the next one also do not always suggest the ending and beginning of the slur. Therefore, both the copyist and the revisers had a very difficult time assessing whether a given gap in the slur is an actual breath or not. The comparison of analogous places did not always bring results, as next to the problem of defining the breath, there was also a problem with its accurate placement. At times the literal interpretation did not result in a musical sense, therefore, the revisers of the first editions were forced to suggest their own interpretation in ambiguous places, which resulted in major discrepancies between the editions.
In the case of GE, the problem of slurs is additionally increased by difficulties related to the interpretation of the copyist's handwriting in GC. Therefore, the slurring in GE is vitiated by both errors of GC, resulting from inaccurate reproduction of the notation of A, and the ones of engravers and revisers of GE.
Compare the passage in the sources »
category imprint: Differences between sources
issues: Inaccuracies in FE, EE inaccuracies, Inaccuracies in GC
notation: Slurs
