mUltimate Chopin

Op. 35, Sonata in B♭ minor, Mvt II

Text Compare Notes Sources Description

Issues : Errors in GE

b. 118-120

composition: Op. 35, Sonata in B♭ minor, Mvt II

..

The  hairpin is only in GC and GE2. The sign in GC could have been added by Chopin (or overlooked in FE).

category imprint: Differences between sources

issues: Errors in GE , GE revisions

b. 132-137

composition: Op. 35, Sonata in B♭ minor, Mvt II

Slur from 2nd beat in GC (→GE)

No slur in FE

R.H. slur in EE1

Two slurs in EE2

Slur from 1st beat suggested by the editors
..

In this phrase the slur in GC (→GE) begins on the 2nd beat of bar 132, which we consider to be a possible inaccuracy, as in other similar situations, the slurs in GC generally start from the beginning of the bar. Therefore, in the main text we suggest a slur running from the beginning of the bar. The slur of EE1, in spite of having been printed most probably on the basis of Chopin addition in the base text, is certainly incomplete and most probably inaccurate (see the note to bar 137), whereas its placement over the top stave is probably related to the applied in this edition graphical layout, in which, from the 2nd beat in bar 134, the part of the R.H. is written entirely on the top stave (cf. bars 96-100).

category imprint: Interpretations within context; Differences between sources

issues: Errors in GE , GE revisions , EE inaccuracies , Authentic corrections of EE

b. 143

composition: Op. 35, Sonata in B♭ minor, Mvt II

d1 in GC (→GE) & FE (→EE1)

d1 in EE2
..

Leaving aside the unorthographical notation, the version with d1 (=e1) is not excluded, as far as the sound is concerned. In spite of this, according to us, it is highly likely that the absence of the  returning d1 is Chopin's mistake. It is proved by:

  • the notation of bars 184-185, proving Chopin's care for a precise differentiation of the enharmonic notation of d and e;
  • a high number of situations, in which there is no sign in Chopin's pieces, cancelling the previous alteration; 
  • a flat restoring d1, added in EE in analogous bar 183; the base text to EE1 was corrected by Chopin, hence the addition can come from him.

In the discussed bar 143 a  before d1 is only in EE2. In turn, in GE2 a  was added before c1, which could be considered to be a mechanical error, if it was not for the fact that an identical addition was introduced in bar 183.

category imprint: Interpretations within context; Differences between sources

issues: EE revisions , Errors in FE , Errors in EE , Omissions to cancel alteration , Errors in GE , GE revisions , Errors of GC

b. 145-146

composition: Op. 35, Sonata in B♭ minor, Mvt II

..

GC (→GE1) overlooked the dots extending the minims in bar 145. GE1 also omitted the dots in bar 146. The remaining editions include the correct text.

category imprint: Interpretations within context; Differences between sources

issues: Errors in GE , GE revisions , Rhythmic errors , Errors of GC

b. 183

composition: Op. 35, Sonata in B♭ minor, Mvt II

d1 in GC (→GE) & FE

d1 in EE
..

The version with d1 (=e1) is probably erroneous – situations in which there is no sign, cancelling the previous alteration, belong to the most frequently encountered inaccuracies of Chopin's notation. Moreover, it is likely that the composer rectified his mistake, while correcting the base text to EE. Adding a cautionary  before c1 is a poorly justified revision of GE2.

category imprint: Interpretations within context; Differences between sources

issues: Errors in FE , Omissions to cancel alteration , Errors in GE , GE revisions , Errors of GC , Authentic corrections of EE