The National Edition of the Works of Fryderyk Chopin

The National Edition edited by Jan Ekier and Paweł Kamiński is the first source-critical edition of Chopin`s complete works based on the entire body of available sources. The sources have been analysed with the use of up-to-date scientific methodology. The objective of the National Edition is to present Chopin`s output in its authentic form. Three basic characteristics distinguish the National Edition from other edition`s of Chopin`s works.

The National Edition is a source edition based on sources originating from the composer, mainly autographs, copies of autographs and first editions with the composer’s corrections, and pupils’ copies with Chopin’s annotations. In cases where original sources were lacking, the closest possible materials were used. The collection of source materials was a very laborious task which took years of effort. The editors now have at their disposal the originals or photocopies of practically all possible source materials.

The National Edition is a critical edition. The sources have been thoroughly analysed to verify their authenticity and examine their relations. Only an extensive analysis of the variety of materials, not just the reconstruction of one or a few sources, can uncover the composer’s musical intentions. The characteristics of sources, the links and discrepancies between them as well as the reasons for particular editorial decisions have been discussed in the Source Commentaries.

The National Edition is a practical edition. It includes Chopin’s original fingerings as well as their modifications based on experience from concert praxis. The explain the elements of the score which might be unclear to a contemporary performer.

The whole set of the National Edition is available in 37 volumes and in a special miniature edition ‘Chopin 2010’

www.chopin-nationaledition.com

Chopin Works. Facsimile Edition

Works by Chopin. Facsimile Edition edited by Zofia Chechlińska is an international academic publishing project realised over several years, the aim of which is to publish all the available manuscripts of works by Fryderyk Chopin in facsimile form, with commentaries by Chopin scholars.

The project is the first of its kind on such a grand scale anywhere in the world. Participating in the venture are representatives from countries: Poland, France, the UK, Switzerland, Germany, Spain, USA and Japan. The project’s partners are libraries where Chopin manuscripts are held, universities, music publishers and Chopin societies.

This special edition is the first edition of the complete set of Chopin’s music manuscripts and the most outstanding graphic reproduction of the original texts hitherto produced. The six-language source commentary is the most up-to-date knowledge relating to the manuscripts and their history.

http://pl.chopin.nifc.pl/institute/publications/facsimile