Main text
Main text
A - Autograph
GE - German edition
GE1 - First German edition
GE2 - Later impression of GE1
GET - Toruń copy
FE - French edition
FE1 - First French Edition
FED - Dubois copy
FEJ - Jędrzejewicz copy
FES - Stirling copy
FEFr - Franchomme copy
EE - English edition
EE1 - First English Edition
EE3 - Later impression of EE1
compare
  b. 16

The rhythm of A (→GEFEEE)

Possible interpretation of the notation of FES

The line in FES looks like a typical synchronization sign similar to those we can see in this Nocturne a dozen or so times, e.g. in bars 35-36. Yet, the meaning of the line here is different: it changes significantly the sense of the rhythm of the right-hand part. In this situation it is strange that other signs confirming the intention of such a change are missing, e.g. the third quintuplet beam. 

It should also be remembered that Chopin's teaching copies sometimes contain additions with unclear meaning e.g. characteristic slanted crosses or lines of various length. Those signs were probably written into the score to mark some important verbal instructions of the composer. 

In the editors' opinion, one should be cautious when considering the possible rhythmical variant here. 

Compare the passage in the sources »

category imprint: Interpretations within context; Differences between sources

issues: Annotations in teaching copies, Synchronization markings, Annotations in FES, Authentic post-publication changes and variants

notation: Rhythm

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