Issues : Wedges

b. 5-37

composition: Op. 31, Scherzo in B♭ minor

4 wedges in A, probable interpretation

4 dots in A, possible interpretation

3 wedges & dot in FC

2 times 2 dots in FE (→EE)

4 times 2 dots in GE

..

In this context, the markings with which Chopin provided the crotchets in bars 5, 13, 29 and 37 in A may only denote staccato only, although it is not obvious whether he meant wedges or dots, since they clearly differ from dots (e.g. numerous dots extending minims or crotchets), yet their shape also does not bring to mind wedges or even vertical dashes, which could be easily identified with them. Due to that reason, in the main text we also suggest dots, next to wedges, as an alternative solution. In the remaining sources the notation of A was inaccurately reproduced; GE is an exception; in that edition the notation was unified to a form that is absent in those bars both in A and FC.   

category imprint: Graphic ambiguousness; Differences between sources

issues: Errors in FE , GE revisions , FE revisions , Wedges , Inaccuracies in FC

b. 9-41

composition: Op. 31, Scherzo in B♭ minor

3 wedges in A

3 dots in FC

3 wedges & dot in FE (→EE)

4 dots in GE, our alternative suggestion

4 wedges suggested by the editors

..

It is unclear whether the staccato markings with which Chopin provided the R.H. chords in b. 9, 17 and 33 (the missing marking in bar 41 must be an oversight, since it is the first bar on a new page of A) should be interpreted as wedges or dots. The ambiguity is confirmed by the sources based directly on A: the copyist interpreted those markings as dots, whereas the engraver of FE – as wedges. According to us, there are more arguments in favour of wedges, which we thereby suggest in the main text. The dot added in FE in bar 41 may come from Chopin, yet in this case it is also unclear whether the engraver interpreted Chopin's proof entry correctly. An identical addition introduced in GE cannot be authentic.

category imprint: Graphic ambiguousness; Differences between sources; Editorial revisions

issues: GE revisions , Authentic corrections of FE , Wedges , Inaccuracies in A

b. 22

composition: Op. 31, Scherzo in B♭ minor

Wedge in A

Dot in FC (→GE)

No mark in FE (→EE)

..

In A the staccato marking with which Chopin provided the last octave looks like a small wedge. However, in the subsequent appearances of this motif, i.e. in b. 46 and 154, the composer used a dot; thus, we give it in the main text. After all, Chopin did not question the dot present in FC, although he had the opportunity to do so, since the extension of the slur proves that he paid attention to that motif while proofreading FC. The dot is also supported by the situation in the last analogous place: in bar 605 the mark overlooked in A was most probably added by Chopin in FC and it is a dot. 

category imprint: Graphic ambiguousness; Differences between sources

issues: Errors in FE , Wedges , Inaccuracies in FC

b. 137-169

composition: Op. 31, Scherzo in B♭ minor

2 wedges & 2 dots in A

4 wedges in FC

4 times 2 dots in GE

..

In the main text we give the staccato markings in b. 137, 145, 161 and 169 on the basis of the homogenous notation of FC. The alternating wedges and dots in A indicate Chopin's inaccuracy: the unquestionable wedge in b. 161, along with the notation of A in b. 5-37, make us consider the wedges to be probably intended. The omission of the markings in FE (→EE) must be a mistake, whereas the double dots in GE – a revision (there is no top dot in b. 169 in GE2, which is a patent oversight).

category imprint: Graphic ambiguousness; Differences between sources

issues: Errors in FE , Errors in GE , GE revisions , Wedges , Inaccuracies in FC

b. 141-173

composition: Op. 31, Scherzo in B♭ minor

Dots & wedge in A

Wedge in bar 141 in FC, possible reading

Dot in bar 141 in FC (different reading→GE1)

Dot & wedge in FE (→EE)

3 dots in GE2

2 dots in GE2

4 wedges suggested by the editors

4 dots, our alternative suggestion

..

It is unclear whether the staccato markings with which Chopin provided the R.H. chords in b. 141, 149, 165 and 173 are to be interpreted as wedges or dots. The mark in b. 165 must be a wedge, whereas those in b. 141 and 173 – dots (in b. 149 the mark can be interpreted either as a wedge or a dot); however, it seems unlikely that Chopin would have wanted to differentiate between those marks within the theme. In the main text we suggest wedges due to the predominance of wedges in a similar situation in b. 9, 17, 33 and 41, where we also discuss the analogous places in the entire Scherzo. All discrepancies in the remaining sources are of an accidental nature; in GE they were combined with unifying procedures.

category imprint: Graphic ambiguousness; Differences between sources

issues: Errors in FE , Errors in GE , GE revisions , Wedges , Errors of FC