mUltimate Chopin

Op. 38, Ballade in F major

Text Compare Notes Sources Description

Issues : Errors of A

b. 138-139

composition: Op. 38, Ballade in F major

e2 in A (→GC,FE,EE)

e2 in FE2 (→FE3) & GE
..

In the editors' opinion, e2 in A (→GC,FE1,EE), although possible from harmonic point of vue, results probably from Chopin's inadvertence. In any case, the almost certainly authentic correction of FE2 (→FE3) urges to acknowledge e2 as the composer's last intention. Also added was the flat in GE, as were the cautionary naturals before e1-e2 in the next bar in GE2 (→GE3).

category imprint: Differences between sources; Editorial revisions

issues: GE revisions , Errors of A , Authentic corrections of FE

b. 151

composition: Op. 38, Ballade in F major

..

A (→FE1) has no accidentals in this bar. Chopin added the overlooked naturals before the 3rd L.H. octave (B-b) in GC (→GE) and FE2 (→FE3). The signs were also added in EE, most probably by analogy with bar 149.

category imprint: Interpretations within context; Differences between sources

issues: EE revisions , Omission of current key accidentals , Errors of A , Authentic corrections of FE , Authentic corrections in GC

b. 159-166

composition: Op. 38, Ballade in F major

No slur in sources

Slur suggested by the editors
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The slur in the R.H. ends in A in bar 158. It is likely that the composer forgot about the slur's continuation after passing to a new line; the slur was not added in any of the editions.
We add it in the main text. 

category imprint: Editorial revisions

issues: Errors of A , Uncertain slur continuation

b. 173

composition: Op. 38, Ballade in F major

c1 in A (→FE1,EE,GC→GE1→GE2) 

a in FE2 (→FE3) & GE3
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A (→FE1,EE,GC→GE1→GE2) has a c1-f1 fourth as the 2nd quaver. A comparison with analogous bar 169 points to a highly likely Chopin's error, which is proven by Chopin's proofreading of FE2 (→FE3). The correct version, most probably based on the mentioned analogy, was introduced also in GE3. 

category imprint: Interpretations within context; Differences between sources; Corrections & alterations

issues: Terzverschreibung error , GE revisions , Errors of A , Authentic corrections of FE

b. 176

composition: Op. 38, Ballade in F major

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Chopin omitted a  lowering b2 to b2 at the beginning of bar, and a  restoring b1 in the 2nd half of bar. An oversight of both the alteration and its canceling may seem improbable but happened to Chopin a few times, e.g. in Etude in F minor, op. 25 no. 2, bar 56.

category imprint: Editorial revisions

issues: EE revisions , Omissions to cancel alteration , GE revisions , Omission of current key accidentals , Errors of A , Errors repeated in FE