Omitting the second part of the tempo indication in GE2 could have seemed logical – Tempo I clearly defines the tempo of the returning main polonaise section of the piece. However, we must take into account the fact that at the beginning of the piece there are no indications concerning the tempo and nature of the composition, since it is obvious due to the title, i.e. Polonaise. In the discussed place, however, the title is not visible, which most probably prompted Chopin to specify the tempo.
The sources contain various forms of the conventional Tempo I indication, which we standardise:
We also correct the spelling mistake in the word "Pollacca" (double 'l') in FE. We reproduce the original versions in the graphic transcription (version "transcript"). See also General Editorial Principles, p. 9.
Compare the passage in the sources »
category imprint: Differences between sources
issues: GE revisions
notation: Verbal indications