FE1 - First French edition


Publisher: Adolphe Catelin et Cie
Date: VIII 1839
Plate number: Ad. C. (560) et Cie
Title: 24 Préludes
Dedication: Son ami Camille Pleyel

First French edition based on A, in which the whole cycle of Preludes was divided in two books, 12 pieces each. Chopin did not participate in its preparation – proofreading of FE1, which included supplemented accidentals and pedaling, was conducted by Julian Fontana. For a general description of FE1 in the entire Op. 28 – see Prelude in no. 1.

In the Prelude in C minor it is the  marks in b. 1-14 having been adjusted to the semiquaver beaming (rhythmic groups) that is note­worthy; it clearly contradicts the notation of A, particularly in b. 5 or 9. Moreover, in b. 2 the final semiquavers on the 1st beat of the bar were erroneously recreated – b1-a1 instead of a1-g1.

Original in: Bibliothèque Nationale de France, Paris
Shelf-mark: Ac.p. 2710