Both the very idea of diversifying a repeated motif and the melodic shape of its extended version are very characteristic for Chopin. The authenticity of the variant given by Franchomme seems certain from the stylistic point of view..
The only doubts that appear relate to the moment when the added figure should begin. The notation does not offer us any clear indications whether the semiquaver pause is to retain its ordinary length or whether it forms, together with the entire figure, part of the irregular group of 11 semiquavers. We adopt the latter solution as, at least theoretically, in the first case the notes should have been written as demisemiquavers. The notation that we decide to adopt gives a stronger suggestion of rhythmical freedom, so much needed for the performance of this arabesque.
Compare the passage in the sources »
category imprint: Differences between sources
issues: Annotations in FEFr, Authentic post-publication changes and variants
notation: Pitch
