mUltimate Chopin

Op. 21, Concerto in F minor, Mvt I

Text Compare Notes Sources Description

Issues : Inaccuracies in GE

b. 32

composition: Op. 21, Concerto in F minor, Mvt I

Long accent on 2nd crotchet in A

Long accent on 1st crotchet in GE (→FE)

Short accent on 1st crotchet in EE
..

In spite of writing the bottom arm with great flourish, the sign in A is undoubtedly a long accent on the 2nd crotchet in the bar. The visible accents on the 1st crotchet in the editions are a result of misunderstanding the notation of A. Similarly in bar 34.

category imprint: Differences between sources

issues: Long accents , Inaccuracies in GE

b. 34

composition: Op. 21, Concerto in F minor, Mvt I

Long accent in A

 in GE (→FE→EE)
..

Same as in bar 32, the interpretation of the long accent on the 3rd quaver as a diminuendo filling the 1st crotchet in the bar is a result of a total misunderstanding of Chopin's notation by the engraver of GE1 (→FE→EE, →GE2).

category imprint: Differences between sources

issues: Long accents , Inaccuracies in GE

b. 36

composition: Op. 21, Concerto in F minor, Mvt I

Beginning of slur in A, literal reading

GE (→FE→EE)

Possible interpretation of A
..

When interpreted literally, the slur in A begins over the last crotchet; however, its shape may suggest an earlier beginning, so the version of the editions does not have to be considered to be erroneous. According to us, it cannot be excluded that Chopin's intention was to indicate with a slur the voice that introduces the melody of the 2nd theme, from its very entrance.

category imprint: Differences between sources

issues: Inaccuracies in GE

b. 38

composition: Op. 21, Concerto in F minor, Mvt I

Slur to a1 in A & GE2

Slur from a1 in GE1 (contextual interpretation)

Slur from e1 in FE (→EE)
..

An earlier ending of the slur from the previous bars – clearly contrary to the structure of the phrase – is certainly an inaccuracy of the engraver of GE1 (→FE→EE). The beginning of the next slur, in GE1 careless and unclear, was interpreted in FE (→EE) unambiguously, yet certainly erroneously.

category imprint: Differences between sources

issues: Inaccuracies in GE , GE revisions

b. 43-44

composition: Op. 21, Concerto in F minor, Mvt I

1 slur in A

2 slurs in GE1 (→FE→EE)

2 slurs in GE2
..

The slurs of the editions, although almost certainly arbitrary (typical whole-bar slurs for the engraver of GE1), do not substantially influence the performance: the break falls between notes at the same pitch (g2) and leading the slur in bar 44 to the end of the bar may be regarded as a slur-tenuto, used by Chopin on a number of occasions.

category imprint: Differences between sources

issues: Inaccuracies in GE , GE revisions