mUltimate Chopin

Op. 2, Variations, complete

Text Compare Notes Sources Description

Issues : Placement of markings

b. 184

composition: Op. 2, Variations, complete

 in AsI

 & grace notes in A (→GE→FE,EE,FESB)

 with  & grace notes suggested by the editors
..

In AsI the ornament, added probably later, is provided with a draft and not entirely clear form; however, it is most probably . Chopin would often use this mark in the sense of  (at times they are even difficult to tell apart). Therefore, the use of a different mark does not have to mean that Chopin envisaged a longer ornament.
Placing a  under the third in FE, which, formally speaking, changes its meaning, is a routine manner of the engravers, who would often move marks (concerning particular notes, but also slurs) to the side of noteheads (in the editions the stems of the notes in the 2nd half of the bar point upwards). Cf., e.g. the Polonaise in F minor, Op. 44, b. 10. The absence of this  in FESB is most probably an oversight.

None of the sources includes a mark that would specify the sound of the ornament's top note. The prevailing key in b. 184-190, F major, requires the use of e2, which in the main text we indicate with naturals. Omissions of accidentals in similar situations is a rule rather than an exception in Chopin's pieces – apparently, the composer believed that the sense of key would suggest the right note to the performer.

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

issues: Errors in FE , Placement of markings , FE revisions , ,

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