mUltimate Chopin

Op. 23, Ballade in G minor

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Pedalling

b. 186-187

composition: Op. 23, Ballade in G minor

 in A

No markings in FE (→GE,EE)

 suggested by the editors

  , our alternative suggestion
..

The missing  asterisk at the end of b. 186 is almost certainly Chopin's oversight in A (it closes the line, which is conducive to mistakes). FE (→GE,EE) also omitted the closest  mark, which contributed to the following pair of marks, seemingly correct,  , encompassing one bar and a half. It could have been an unsuccessful revision or an oversight; however, irrespective of the reason, mixing harmonies between b. 186 and 187 is a mistake.
It is difficult to decide where to place the  asterisk overlooked in b. 186 – see the note in the previous bar – hence we suggest two solutions.  

category imprint: Differences between sources

issues: Errors in FE , Inaccuracies in A

b. 217-218

composition: Op. 23, Ballade in G minor

 in A

      in FE (→GE,EE)
..

The missing pedal markings at the end of b. 217 and in b. 218 in A must be Chopin's inadvertence, since it is the end of a line in A, which is conducive to oversights – after a moment of distraction, the composer resumed writing indications from a new line.

category imprint: Differences between sources

issues: Authentic corrections of FE , No pedal release mark , Inaccuracies in A

b. 221

composition: Op. 23, Ballade in G minor

No markings in sources

Pedalling suggested by the editors
..

It is unclear whether it was Chopin's intention for this bar to be devoid of pedal markings. In A, there are no markings starting from this bar to the end of the page (b. 233). Therefore, it is quite likely that we are dealing with a case of distraction (cf. b. 217-218), particularly since the markings added while proofreading FE in b. 222-223 prove that it was not the composer's intention for there to be no markings at all. On the other hand, if Chopin added pedal markings in the next two bars, he could have added them here as well, which can be considered a confirmation or at least an acceptance of their absence. However, it is also this argument that can be refuted – while proofreading FE Chopin probably did not check the sound at the piano and could have taken into account only the L.H. part, which does not require a pedal in the discussed bar, at least for harmonic reasons. However, it is advisable due to the R.H. part and its harmonic figuration spanning two octaves. The need for pedal in a similar context is confirmed by the 2nd half of b. 220, b. 216, 218 and analog.
Taking into account the above, in the main text we suggest adding pedal markings in a variant form.

category imprint: Editorial revisions

b. 222-223

composition: Op. 23, Ballade in G minor

No markings in A

Pedalling in FE (→GE,EE)
..

In the main text we include the pedal markings added by Chopin while proofreading FE (→GE,EE). In b. 223 in GE, the  asterisk is placed after the d minim. It must be a mistake, probably a 'mirror' mistake – placing a mark on the wrong side of a reference point, e.g. a note.

category imprint: Differences between sources

issues: Inaccuracies in GE , Authentic corrections of FE

b. 238-239

composition: Op. 23, Ballade in G minor

No markings in A

    in FE (→GE,EE)

 in GE1a
..

The two-bar pedal must be a Chopinesque hint added in the stage of proofreading FE (→GE,EE). The missing  mark in GE1a is most probably an oversight by the engraver.

category imprint: Differences between sources

issues: Inaccuracies in GE , Authentic corrections of FE