Op. 22, Polonaise

  b. 57

		L.H. part in FE (→GE)
		L.H. part & slur in EE
		L.H. part suggested by the editors
		L.H. part & slur suggested by the editors

The notation of FE (→GE), in which the R.H. run is written over the last four L.H. quavers, is inconsistent with the rhythmic values of the first two R.H. notes (in EE the notes are arranged almost identically, it is only the tied b² note, opening the run, that is missing). It means that either the notes were distributed incorrectly or that the 2nd R.H. note, b², was supposed to be a quaver. At first, the length of the run (26 notes) could be considered an argument for a quaver flag having been overlooked next to b²,  yet a more detailed analysis provides much more significant arguments, supporting the thesis that the L.H. part was inaccurately distributed:

• the main theme of the Polonaise is provided with a characteristic rhythmic scheme in which the resumption of the melodic movement paused on the 1st or 2nd quaver of the bar occurs only just on the 4th quaver. This scheme can be found in b. 17-18, 21-22, 25 and 27, and, above all, in b. 19, analogous to the discussed one, in which one should also expect it in this situation;
• errors concerning the alignment of the L.H. and the R.H. were frequent in French editions – minor inaccuracies can be found in the Andante spianato (b. 15 as well as 17, 41 and 43) or in the Concerto in E Minor, Op. 11, II mov., b. 23, whereas the most serious mistake, e.g. in the Nocturne in B Minor, Op. 9 No. 1, b. 73;
• the fragment of the run starting from d⁴ is clearly based on the C⁷ chord. Therefore, it cannot be performed against the E major chord, ruling on the first two beats of the bar, which rules out the kind of synchronisation corresponding to the distribution of the notes present in the sources.

Moreover, in the main text we suggest adding a L.H. slur after a similar figure in the preceding bar as well as in b. 17-18. A slur, running from the first out of two semiquavers, was also added in EE.

The same in b. 201.

Compare the passage in the sources »

category imprint: Interpretations within context; Editorial revisions

issues: Inaccuracies in FE

notation: Rhythm

Go to the music