mUltimate Chopin

Op. 63 No. 1, Mazurka in B major

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b. 68

composition: Op. 63 No. 1, Mazurka in B major

Slur to bar 69 in sources

Slur to G in AI, possible interpretation
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category imprint: Graphic ambiguousness; Differences between sources

issues: Uncertain slur continuation

b. 69-70

composition: Op. 63 No. 1, Mazurka in B major

Slur from b-d1 to c1-e1 after AI

Slur embracing only b. 69 in FE (→EE)

No slur in GE

Editorial proposal
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Chopin moved the beginning of the slur while writing [A] or while adding a slur in the proofreading of FE1, which could be indicated by its absence in GE (unless it is an oversight by the engraver of GE1). However, the end point of the slur poses a challenge. On the basis of an analysis covering all places based on similar rhythmic motifs (bars 1-16 and 79-86), both in AI and FE, in the main text we suggest a slur encompassing the c1-e1 quaver as well.

The R.H. slurring in bars 69, 71 and 73 differs in the sources. It is part of a greater issue involving the entire Mazurka, which we discuss in the note in bar 3. When adopting a holistic approach, in FE the slurring of the repeating theme rhythmic scheme (four quavers in uneven bars linked with a slur – or not – to the first quaver in even bars) turns out inconsistent and at times also inaccurate. However, longer slurs prevail, hence in this place we standardise and extend the slur to the beginning of bar 70.

In GE it is the regular absence of R.H. slurs in bars 69, 71 and 73 that is surprising, as is the consistency with which this issue was not corrected in subsequent editions. One could assume a purposeful deletion, but this would be difficult to explain. It could have been a mistake, although it is also possible that the slurring of this fragment was incomplete in the proof copy of FE serving as the basis for GE. Admittedly, these slurs can already be seen in AI, yet the inconsistencies of FE described above are an argument for the hypothesis that Chopin hesitated, which resulted in changes (performed several times).

The AI slur encompasses the entire 1st beat of bar 70; however, there is no rest. Nevertheless, one can assume that a slur in a version with a rest would be ending on the 1st quaver in the bar.

category imprint: Differences between sources; Editorial revisions

issues: Inaccuracies in FE , Errors in GE

b. 69

composition: Op. 63 No. 1, Mazurka in B major

Staccato dot in AI

No mark in FE (→GE,EE)
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While preparing the Mazurka for print, Chopin forwent all staccato marks in the repetition of the main theme.

category imprint: Differences between sources; Corrections & alterations

b. 69

composition: Op. 63 No. 1, Mazurka in B major

  in AI

No markings in FE (→GE,EE)

Our variant suggestion
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The pedal markings are missing most probably due to an oversight by the engraver of FE or by Chopin himself in [A], although pedal markings are not necessary here, harmonically speaking. Therefore, in the main text we include in a variant form the indications drawn from AI.

category imprint: Differences between sources; Editorial revisions

b. 69

composition: Op. 63 No. 1, Mazurka in B major

,  & long accent in AI

in FE (→GE,EE)
..

category imprint: Differences between sources; Corrections & alterations