mUltimate Chopin

Op. 21, Concerto in F minor, Mvt III

Text Compare Notes Sources Description

Issues : Inaccuracies in FE

b. 384-385

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

Slurs in A

Slurs in GE

Slurs in FE (→EE)
..

In the main text we give the slurs of A, which do not raise any doubts concerning both the sources and music. However, the version of GE may be considered at least to be equal:

  • an inaccuracy consisting in engraving a slur incompatible with the division into bars or groups is something practically unusual in GE1, which, in spite of the lack of visible traces of corrections, makes Chopin's proofreading highly likely. The proofreading of the slurs can also be indicated by the slurring of FE (→EE), perhaps reproducing the state of GE1 from before the last phase of proofreading;
  • Chopin wrote such a system of slurs in analogous bars 40-41.

The arguments for the adoption of the notation of A are as follows:

  • a legible, unequivocal notation;
  • no dynamic markings in these bars, emphasising the beginning of the ascending passage – cf.   in bars 40-41. A shorter slur of A suggests that a new thought begins in bar 385, which compensates this deficiency to a certain extent.

category imprint: Differences between sources

issues: Inaccuracies in FE , Authentic corrections of GE

b. 395-398

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

Slur in A

Slur suggested by the editors

Slurs in GE

Slurs in FE (→EE)

Our alternative suggestion
..

According to us, the slur of A ending in bar 396 is inaccurate – see bars 52-53 – hence in the main text we lead it to the beginning of the next bar, in accordance with the slurs of flute I and clarinet in Morch. The authenticity of the slur added in GE (→FE→EE) in bars 397-398 is also questionable – its beginning is contrary to the phrasing that naturally follows from the instrumentation. Therefore, we do not include this slur in the main text. However, taking into account a possibility of a Chopinesque proofreading of GE1 in this place, we suggest a slur started a crotchet later as an alternative solution – the Chopinesque entry could have been misinterpreted by the engraver.
The delayed beginning of the first slur is most probably an inaccuracy of FE (→EE). 

category imprint: Differences between sources

issues: Inaccuracies in FE , Authentic corrections of GE

b. 410-419

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

4 wedges in A

4 dots in GE

3 dots in FE

3 dots in EE
..

In A, the staccato marks at the beginning of bars 410-411 and 418-419 (in the part of the R.H.) are clear wedges – cf. the dots in the part of the L.H. The editions reproduced them as dots (as in the entire Concerto); at the same time, EE overlooked the sign in bar 410, whereas FE – in bar 418 (added in EE). 

category imprint: Differences between sources

issues: EE revisions , Inaccuracies in GE , Inaccuracies in FE , EE inaccuracies , Wedges

b. 412

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

Long accent in A

 in GE1

 in FE (→EE)

 in GE2
..

The Chopinesque long accent was interpreted in GE1 as a  hairpin, significantly increasing the range of the sign. In FE (→EE) the endings of the sign were related to the only notes in this bar, which extended it even more. The length of the sign in GE2, considered in relation to the quavers in the R.H., generally corresponds to the notation of A, yet the proportions with respect to the third in the L.H. differ – in GE2 the sign reaches beyond the half of the distance between them and can be associated with a diminuendo sign, much more than the sign in A.

category imprint: Differences between sources

issues: Long accents , Inaccuracies in GE , Inaccuracies in FE

b. 419-420

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

Slur in A

3 slurs in GE1

2 slurs in FE (→EE) & GE2
..

The division of the clear slur of A into 3 parts is an example of a far-reaching carelessness showed towards the Chopinesque slurring in GE1. In turn, it is unclear whether the combination of the first two of these slurs in FE (→EE) is a result of a mere inaccuracy or of a conscious decision of the engraver. GE2 includes the same slurs, which was undoubtedly done on purpose in this case – the slurring was introduced in all analogous places.

category imprint: Differences between sources

issues: Inaccuracies in FE , Errors in GE , GE revisions