mUltimate Chopin

Op. 2, Variations, complete

Text Compare Notes Sources Description

Issues : GE revisions

b. 261-262

composition: Op. 2, Variations, complete

No orchestral inserts in AsI & GE (→EE1→EE2, →FESB)

Progression of thirds in Af, contextual interpretation

Progression of thirds in A, contextual interpretation

Progression of sixths in FE & EE3

Complemented FE version suggested by the editors

Modified FE version, our alternative suggestion
..

All three source versions of the text written in smaller notes are rather a harmonic complement to the solo part when "performed without accompaniment" than an actual replica of the string voices. At the same time, the earlier versions of Af and A are closer to the orchestral part than the later one, placed in a higher register. All versions of notation also contain mistakes or rhythmic simplifications; we reproduce the clearly erroneous ones only in the content transcription (version "transcript").
To the main text we adopt the supplemented version of FE (repeated also in EE3), which is evidence of Chopin's latest interaction with the solo part urtext.
Alternatively, assuming the erroneous rhythmic value of the d1-b1 sixth, we suggest a modified version of FE1. The versions of Af and A are almost identical in terms of sound; the former allows us to locate the mistake in the vague rhythmic version of A in bar 261 – the a-c1 quaver is supposed to be a semiquaver. The missing orchestral inserts in AsI are due to its working, unfinished nature, while in GE – probably due to the vague notation of A.

category imprint: Differences between sources; Editorial revisions; Corrections & alterations; Source & stylistic information

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

b. 262-263

composition: Op. 2, Variations, complete

No markings under L.H. in Af & A
..

Wherever both hands move in parallel, Chopin very often considered markings written over the R.H. to be concerning both hands, particularly when both parts are written on one stave (cf., e.g. the Ballade in G minor, Op. 23, bars 1-5 and 251-256). Separate articulation markings for the L.H. in such contexts were one of the most frequently encountered editorial revisions. On the other hand, in the Variations Chopin himself wrote such markings a few times, e.g. at the beginning of Variation II (bars 135-137) and in the ending (bars 375-380). In this situation, being uncertain as to the authenticity of the dots and slur added in GE (→FE,EE), we do not include them in the main text.

category imprint: Differences between sources

issues: GE revisions

b. 262

composition: Op. 2, Variations, complete

on 4th beat in A & FESB

on 3rd beat in GE (→FE1,EE)
..

According to us, the placement of the  indication is an example of Chopin using here a convention of writing indications within and not at the beginning of the scope of their validity. Due to the above, in the main text we give preference to the version of GE (→FE1,EE). The version of FESB resulted from the engraver's inaccuracy, and its compliance with A must be accidental, since throughout the entire piece, no features of FESB suggest that this publisher could have had an insight into A. 

category imprint: Interpretations within context; Differences between sources

issues: GE revisions , Centrally placed marks , Inaccuracies in FESB

b. 263

composition: Op. 2, Variations, complete

8 ¯ ¯ ¯ in AsI, Af & GE (→FE,EE)

No 8 ¯ ¯ ¯ in A
..

Chopin's patent mistake in A is indicated by the presence of an octave sign both in the earlier manuscripts, AsI and Af, and in all editions. It is difficult to say whether the addition of this indication to GE1 came from Chopin, since in this context it could have seemed obvious.

category imprint: Interpretations within context; Differences between sources

issues: GE revisions , Errors of A , Authentic corrections of GE

b. 265

composition: Op. 2, Variations, complete

in A

in GE1 (→GE2)

 in FE1, EE & GE3

in FESB
..

The  hairpin is written in A between the staves and begins after the 1st R.H. chord (in Af the bottom arm starts as early as at the beginning of the bar). In GE (→FE,EE) the mark was moved to over the R.H. part, which, in this case, does not significantly influence its meaning. The change was most probably forced by lack of space between the staves; it cannot come from Chopin. The slight change of range in GE1 (→GE2) – the beginning of the mark was moved slightly to the right – was intensified by all subsequent editions, while FESB additionally reversed the direction of the mark, which is a frequent mistake in the first editions of Chopin's pieces. 

category imprint: Differences between sources

issues: Errors in FE , Inaccuracies in GE , Inaccuracies in FE , Placement of markings , Scope of dynamic hairpins , GE revisions , EE inaccuracies , Sign reversal