The more abundant performance indications of FCI – dim. in b. 6, 
in b. 11 and poco cresc. in b. 15 – could have been related to the calmer tempo of the Prelude. Chopin could have assumed that indicating such a great number of dynamic details (also with the help of hairpins and accents) could have provoked an excessively effusive, unwieldy performance in the final, faster tempo. According to us, they can be used to a limited extent, suited to the general character marked by the indications Vivace and leggieramente as well as by the dramaturgy of the entire cycle. A comparison of, e.g. b. 6 with b. 15 may be inspiring:
- dim. in b. 6 ends the first phrase, while the accent in b. 7 emphasizes the surprising modulating chord opening the second phrase, which complements the first one as its antithesis;
- poco cresc. in b. 15 leads to a new thought, which continues (the same L.H.) and develops (modulating f2 in the melody) the preceding one.
See also b. 27-30 and 32.
category imprint: Differences between sources
notation: Verbal indications
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