Op. 22, Polonaise

Filiation of the sources

The above scheme illustrates a situation in which it was identical proof copies of the French edition – [FE0] – that were a direct Stichvorlage for GE1, FE1 and EE1, out of which two were provided by Chopin with an additional set of last corrections. Another possibility could have been the corrections having been gradually introduced into subsequent proof copies of FE, as a result of which the Stichvorlage of each of the editions could be a copy including an ever-increasing range of proofreading – see the scheme in the Andante spianato.

Principles adopted for the main text
of the Polonaise in E flat major Op. 22

We accept as our basis FE as the only authentic source, and take in consideration Chopin’s annotations in FED.

A precise distinction of the short and long accents, characteristic for Chopin, as well as their assignment to the right or left hand is impossible due to the absence of an autograph and the visible imprecision of the first editions. We attempt to recreate the intention of the composer by taking into consideration his habits, documented in sources for other compositions.

In spite of visible efforts to ensure as precise notation as possible, in many places the context suggests a possible oversight of various single elements of notation, e.g. slurs, accents, staccato marks, pedalling markings. Wherever a missing mark most probably does not point to a different performance, in the main text we suggest corresponding additions on the basis of comparisons with analogous places.