b. 39-40

 

 

 

The poco a poco cresc. indication, present in CDP, comes certainly from [A], as initially, it was also in GC. While introducing last corrections in the Stichvorlage manuscripts, Chopin most probably deleted this indications in all three, which can be seen in the preserved GC, and replaced with cre – scen – do only. 

The change can be considered as Chopin's attention to the most precise description of performance details. At the same time, it shows that, despite the fact that both indications concern a gradual increase of dynamics, they were of different meaning for Chopin, as he considered the change of one to another important enough to introduce deletions in the already finished Stichvorlage fair scores. According to us, it is natural to assume that the poco a poco emphasises the gradual character of the change, at the same time warning from its excessive vehemence, while crescendo only prompts to a more definite increase intensity.  

category imprint: Differences between sources; Corrections & alterations

issues: Authentic corrections in GC

notation: Verbal indications

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