mUltimate Chopin

Op. 2, Variations, complete

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b. 302

composition: Op. 2, Variations, complete

 after  in A

Long accent under f in GE (→FE1→FE2)

Short accent in EE & FESB
..

The short  mark may be considered an accent associated with the initial  or as a diminuendo hairpin, which, in this context, practically does not influence the meaning of this mark. On the other hand, placing it under the 1st f semiquaver, as it was performed in GE (→FE,EE), must be contrary to the notation of A and Chopin's intention. The differences in the length of the mark in individual editions most probably correspond to the different interpretations of the engravers: the ones who considered it an accent, inserted a short accent (EE and FESB), while diminuendo took the form of a long accent, which is present in GE (→FE1→FE2).

category imprint: Differences between sources

issues: Long accents , Inaccuracies in GE , Inaccuracies in FE , EE inaccuracies

b. 304

composition: Op. 2, Variations, complete

No slur in sources

Slur added by the editors
..

In this bar, we consider the absence of the first out of two slurs present in previous two, analogous bars to be Chopin's inadvertence (the composer's distraction probably also impacted the  mark). What is determined by this slur – the motif's structure and articulation – must be compliant with the previous bars, which excludes the possibility that the slur was omitted on purpose. Taking into account the above, in the main text we add a relevant slur. Cf. the notes in bar 300.

category imprint: Editorial revisions

issues: Inaccuracies in A

b. 305

composition: Op. 2, Variations, complete

  in A (→GE→EE,FESB)

  in AsI & FE1 (→FE2)
..

The rhythm of A (→GE→EE,FESB) is almost certainly erroneous, which is evidenced by the long accent, certainly referring to the note held slightly longer (with a dot). Chopin corrected his mistake while proofreading FE1 (→FE2); the correct version is also in AsI.

category imprint: Differences between sources

issues: Rhythmic errors , Errors of A , Authentic corrections of FE

b. 305

composition: Op. 2, Variations, complete

Wedges & accents in AsI

5 wedges in A

10 wedges in GE (→FE,EE)
..

In the main text we keep the undoubtedly authentic and intentional notation of A, in which it is only the bass notes that are provided with staccato marks. The authenticity of the decision to provide all semiquavers with such marks is uncertain – according to us, it could have resulted from the engraver of GE1 impulsively considering the notation of A to be incomplete. The fact that Chopin wanted the bass notes to be performed differently than the chords is confirmed by the initial version of AsI.

category imprint: Differences between sources

issues: GE revisions

b. 306-307

composition: Op. 2, Variations, complete

..

In the sources the L.H. octaves are written down in an abridged manner – under the line of their top notes, a con 8va indication or its equivalent is placed:

We reproduce this notation, not very exact, only in the graphic transcription – we leave the determination of whether the indication applies only to the sequence of the bass voice and not to the bottom notes of the R.H. part to the judgement of the performer.

category imprint: Editorial revisions

issues: Abbreviated octaves' notation