In each of these bars the notation of the top notes of the 6 subsequent thirds with a smaller font was introduced – certainly by Chopin or in agreement with him – in FE1 (→FE2). In his entire oeuvre, Chopin published such a simplified, alternative version, written down in such a manner, only 2 times, actually in a very similar context of a descending, chromatic sequence of sixth chords, the middle notes of which, performed by the L.H. together with the bottom ones, can be left out. Such notation is to be seen in the Grand Duo Concertant for piano and cello, Dbop. 16, bars 247-250. Remarkably, the Parisian editions of both pieces appeared in 1833; therefore, it could have been the work on the Grand Duo that suggested him the idea to introduce a similar solution in the Variations as well.
Compare the passage in the sources»
category imprint: Differences between sources
issues: Authentic corrections of FE
notation: Shorthand & other