Op. 19, Bolero

The first French edition is based on the lost autograph [A] and was proofread by Chopin. The proofreading was most probably performed in two stages, the last of which was implemented already after sending to Leipzig a copy serving as Stichvorlage for GE – [FE0]. Major changes introduced in the last proofreading include:

• change of the slur in bars 38-39,
• removal of the erroneous  lowering c¹ to c¹ in bar 141,
• addition of naturals restoring e² at the end of bars 141 and 173,
• addition of a  restoring a¹ in bar 188,
• correction of an erroneous note in the 2nd chord in bar 232,
• correction of rhythm in bar 236.

In addition, in this phase of proofreading, revision of cautionary accidentals was performed, e.g. signs were added in bars 38 and 47, 77, 78, 81 and 83, 87, 107 and 219, 117 and 229, 231. Chopin's participation in this part of proofreading seems to be less likely.

FE is not free from errors and inaccuracies, which may partially result from a not always precise notation of [A], e.g.:

• missing accidental before the last note in bar 77,
• erroneous note in bar 162,
• Terzverschreibung error in bar 255.

Attention is drawn to the fact that the notation of dotted rhythms in relation to triplets in bars 157 and 163 is incompliant with Chopin's manner. The use of the convention employed by Chopin was gradually decreasing at that time, whereas the publisher was most probably unaware of Chopin's manner (the Bolero is the only Chopin's work published by this company). Chopin's main Parisian publisher, Maurice Schlesinger, generally observed the convention used by Chopin.

The copy presented in mUltimate Chopin comes from the earliest impression and does not have a plate number (it was already added in the next impression).