mUltimate Chopin

Op. 2, Variations, complete

Text Compare Notes Sources Description

Issues : Errors of A

b. 273

composition: Op. 2, Variations, complete

..

The second note in the L.H. part in AsI, A (→GE→FE) and EE3 is a dotted quaver, as a result of which the bar is a semiquaver too short. In the full, orchestral version of this tutti, the cello (and bassoon) phrase starts from the beginning of the bar with a dotted crotchet, which could have suggested to Chopin that it was also in the version for one piano, after shifting the beginning to the 2nd quaver, that the new value should be dotted. The mistake, easy to detect, was noticed and corrected only by FESB. By contrast, in EE1 (→EE2) the dot prolonging this note was left out – it could have been a failed attempt at correcting this mistake.

category imprint: Interpretations within context; Differences between sources

issues: EE revisions , Errors in EE , Rhythmic errors , Errors of A , Errors repeated in GE , Errors repeated in FE , Revisions in FESB

b. 283

composition: Op. 2, Variations, complete

 on b2 in AsI & FE1 (→FE2)

No ornament in A (→GE→FESB,EE1→EE2)

 on a2 in EE3
..

In the main text we include the  added by Chopin in FE, hence in the last formation stage of the text of the Variations. Its presence also in the earliest of the preserved sources, AsI, suggests that Chopin hesitated; however, it is likely that the composer simply overlooked the mark in A. Probably on the basis of a comparison with FE2, the ornament was also added in EE3; however, it was placed inaccurately, as a result of which it seems to concern the 2nd semiquaver on the 2nd beat, a2, which is a mistake.

category imprint: Differences between sources

issues: EE revisions , Errors in EE , Chopin's hesitations , Errors of A , Authentic corrections of FE

b. 291-292

composition: Op. 2, Variations, complete

..

In the tertial sequences in A and in all editions, there are no accidentals to the bottom note of the 2nd semiquaver on the 3rd beat of bar 291, which gives b2, the top note of the 1st semiquaver in bar 292 (b2) and the bottom note of the middle semiquaver in the triplet (b2). When interpreted literally, it is only the third one that sounds correctly; however, after adding the undoubtedly overlooked first two accidentals – a  to b2 and a  to b2, respectively – a  restoring b2 is necessary also there. We reproduce these patent mistakes only in the graphic transcriptions of the sources (the versions "transcript").

category imprint: Differences between sources

issues: Omissions to cancel alteration , Errors of 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. 311

composition: Op. 2, Variations, complete

..

In A the  restoring e2 is missing, which is a patent mistake – cf. bars 278 and 286. The accidental is present in AsI; it was also added in GE1 and repeated in the remaining editions. In the main text we also add a cautionary  to e1.

category imprint: Interpretations within context; Differences between sources; Editorial revisions

issues: Omissions to cancel alteration , GE revisions , Errors of A