mUltimate Chopin

Op. 23, Ballade in G minor

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Ornaments

b. 76

composition: Op. 23, Ballade in G minor

Arpeggio sign in A

in FE (→GE,EE)
..

The meaning of the mark written in A before the c1-f1 fourth is not entirely clear; however, it does not seem likely that it could be a  (which would be totally unjustified here), as it was interpreted by FE (→GE,EE). According to us, it is an arpeggio marking; this is how we interpret it in the main text.

category imprint: Differences between sources

issues: Errors in FE

b. 124

composition: Op. 23, Ballade in G minor

No sign in A

Arpeggio sign in FE (→GE,EE)
..

In FE (→GE,EE), the arpeggio mark was almost certainly added by Chopin.

category imprint: Differences between sources

issues: Authentic corrections of FE

b. 164

composition: Op. 23, Ballade in G minor

Arpeggio sign in A

No sign in FE (→GE,EE)
..

The missing arpeggio mark in the editions must have resulted from a mistake by the engraver of FE.

category imprint: Differences between sources

issues: Errors in FE

b. 173

composition: Op. 23, Ballade in G minor

Mordent in A

Grace note in FE (→GE,EE)
..

We consider the grace note in FE (→GE,EE) the latest authentic version, although it seems that the mordent present in A was not being removed at the stage of proofreading. No traces of corrections in print suggests that the engraver of FE omitted the ornament, and Chopin simply added a grace note while proofreading FE. Therefore, the deletions in A prove that the composer hesitated, since it was the grace note that was removed there and replaced with a mordent. In this situation, both versions may be considered equal variants. Similar variations are to be found in other pieces by the composer, e.g. in the Ballade in A, Op. 47, b. 3 and 39 or the Mazurka in C minor, Op. 30 No. 1, b. 1, 5 and 9, 13.

category imprint: Differences between sources; Corrections & alterations; Source & stylistic information

issues: Corrections in A , Chopin's hesitations , Deletions in A , Authentic corrections of FE , Main-line changes

b. 179

composition: Op. 23, Ballade in G minor

in A (→FE→EE,GE1→GE1a,GE2) & GE4

No sign in GE3
..

It is uncertain how the removal of  by GE3 came about. Anyway, it is a patent mistake, corrected by GE4.

category imprint: Differences between sources

issues: Errors in GE , GE revisions