mUltimate Chopin

Op. 28 No. 8, Prelude in F♯ minor

Text Compare Notes Sources Description

Issues : GE revisions

b. 23

composition: Op. 28 No. 8, Prelude in F♯ minor

d3 in A (→FC→GE1), literal reading

d3 in FE (→EE) & GE2 (→GE3)

Our variant suggestion
..

In A (→FC→GE1) there is no accidental before the 4th demisemiquaver in the 3rd group, as a result of which it is to be interpreted as a d3. In FE (→EE), as well as in GE2 (→GE3), a  was added, thus lowering it to d3. In this case, Fontana's addition seems arguable, since there is a number of source and music arguments for d3: 

  • the crossings-out and corrections visible in the adjacent bars prove that Chopin controlled the accidentals in A, cf. b. 22 and 24;
  • the use of d1 and d2 after the C minor chord in b. 24 was marked by Chopin with naturals both in the R.H., where this accidental is necessary, and in the L.H., where it is only of a cautionary nature;
  • Chopin used a similar combination of notes enclosing a major chord in b. 24 (a1 and c2 next to the G major chord).

However, since we cannot rule out an accidental oversight of a natural by Chopin in the discussed place (and hence the accuracy of Fontana's revision in FE), in the main text we include both possibilities in a variant form, giving preference to the literally interpreted version of A featuring a d3.

category imprint: Interpretations within context; Differences between sources; Editorial revisions

issues: Omissions to cancel alteration , GE revisions , FE revisions

b. 34

composition: Op. 28 No. 8, Prelude in F♯ minor

Arpeggio to whole chord in A (→FC,FE→EE)

Arpeggio on lower staff in GE
..

The shortened arpeggio sign is an error or arbitrary revision of GE.

category imprint: Differences between sources

issues: Errors in GE , GE revisions