In FE1, there are 3 crotchets in the bottom voice, which is a mistake (we reproduce them in our system in the "transcript" version only), which was corrected in FE2 by adding a quaver beam combining all 3 notes. Interestingly enough, the traces of erasure visible in A suggest that initially it was the version of FE2 that was written there (more accurate, with a quaver rest under the last triplet in the top voice). Therefore, it would be an example of hesitation of Chopin, who returned to the initial concept after few years. Of course, we cannot rule out other scenarios – the version of FE1 contains a patent rhythmic error, which could have been corrected by the reviser; even in the case of Chopin's proofreading, the engraver could have mistakenly encompassed 3 notes with a beam, instead of the first two. However, had the version with three quavers been taken into account by Chopin (undoubtedly, it is more convenient, pianistically speaking), it having been accidentally introduced by FE2 would have been a remarkable coincidence. It is probably the latest authentic version, hence we give it in the main text.
See also the note at the end of the bar.
Compare the passage in the sources »
category imprint: Interpretations within context; Differences between sources
issues: Errors in FE, Authentic corrections of FE
notation: Rhythm