b. 21

 

 

From the notation of L.H. slurs in four analogous bars (17, 21, 25, and 29) in A it is not easy to figure out their extent intended by Chopin. The notation is also unclear in some other instances - cf. bars 16-1823-24 and 55.

Overall, the slur notation in A is not particularly neat and careful, though it conveys certain subtleties. This inclines us to interpret doubtful situations in the simplest way, staying in line with the vivid narration of the music and not contradicting the natural pianistic gestures.

In the discussed bars, the L.H. slur running from the 2nd crotchet should be considered much more natural due to the need to lift and move the hand once the bass note F is struck and the similar articulation in both hands

category imprint: Graphic ambiguousness; Differences between sources

issues: Inaccurate slurs in A, Authentic corrections of FE

notation: Slurs

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