In the R.H. part, the rhythm on the 1st beat of the bar is unclear in the sources. The version of Af and A (→GE→FE,EE) is clearly erroneous, both as far as the sum of the rhythmic values of the entire 1st beat is concerned and as far as the sum of both halves of the bar is concerned, if we were to follow the alignment of the hands with respect to each other:
- the sum of 2 demisemiquavers (semiquaver), a quaver and 20 hemidemisemiquavers (crotchet) significantly exceeds the value of a crotchet (by a dotted quaver). Even if we assume that Chopin used in the 20-note run twice as long values (on purpose – cf. bar 266 or by mistake – cf. a further note in bar 267, as well as in bar 268), still, the sum would exceed the crotchet by a semiquaver;
- the above sum, in an already modified version, is placed in such a way that it is a semiquaver in the right hand that falls on the 1st L.H. quaver and a crotchet that falls on the 2nd L.H. quaver.
In this case, as an exception, we leave this version as the text of the sources, as it is uncertain which elements are written inaccurately and therefore which rhythm Chopin meant. In order to suggest the most likely, rhythmically correct main text, we analyse 3 possible ways to identify and remove the mistake:
- Wrong value of the trilled d
1 note and wrong alignment. After corrections, we get a version that we consider most likely due to the actual (without a significant L.H. rhythm deformation) speed with which the scale is performed, and, above all, due to the compliance with the version of AsI, written down flawlessly. - Wrong alignment and wrong number of beams in the group of 20 notes, which results in the first of the suggested alternative versions.
- All R.H. rhythmic values are wrong, while the correct rhythm results only from the alignment (L.H. with respect to R.H.), which would be represented by the second alternative version.
The unrestrained, quasi-improvisational nature of this variation combined with vague rhythmic notation leads to the conclusion that the exact moment in which the 20-note run begins on the 2nd quaver in the bar does not really matter. We suggest the following two practical solutions, corresponding to the two audibly most perceptible variants of rhythm, with the trill beginning before the L.H. chord or simultaneously with it:
or
.
According to us, the first of the above proposals is the neatest rhythmic solution of this place.
Compare the passage in the sources »
category imprint: Interpretations within context; Differences between sources
issues: Rhythmic errors, Errors of A, Errors repeated in GE, Errors repeated in FE, Errors repeated in EE
notation: Rhythm