The difference in the slurring between EE and FE (→GE) may be explained in two basic ways:
- the version of EE is the initial version, corrected later in the penultimate stage of proofreading of FE. In such a scenario, both versions – except for possible minor inaccuracies – are authentic, and the change was probably aimed at pointing out that b. 121, in spite of a clear rhythmic analogy to b. 120, conveys a different emotional message;
- the version of EE is a result of a revision adapting b. 121 to b. 123, assuming that the slur over b. 120-121, obliterating the distinct nature of the combination of the staccato quaver and the syncopated, accented crotchet, which opens a new thought, is erroneous. This assumption may, but does not have to, be true, since, as mentioned above, the version of FE may be considered a subtle expressive modification, consistent with the harmonic course, of the described combination.
It can be seen that, in spite of the source situation (which is not entirely clear), the continuous slur of FE must be regarded as the principal version, whereas the version of EE is a variant of uncertain authenticity.
category imprint: Differences between sources
issues: EE revisions
notation: Slurs
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