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Op. 12, Variations in B♭ major

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b. 117

composition: Op. 12, Variations in B♭ major

=43 in FE (→GE)

No metronome indication in EE

=42 suggested by the editors
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In the sources the metronome marking reads =43. It must be a mistake, since the Maelzel metronome does not show this value. Assuming that only one digit is wrong, in the main text we suggest the closest number accessible to the users of traditional metronomes. We choose 42, and not 44, since confusing one of two identical digits is much less likely. Theoretically speaking, one could think of other numbers meeting the above criteria, e.g. 48 or 63, but it is already the first one that can hardly be considered a slow tempo. 

category imprint: Interpretations within context; Editorial revisions

issues: Errors in FE , Errors repeated in GE , Errors repeated in EE

b. 121-123

composition: Op. 12, Variations in B♭ major

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The change of wedges in bars 121 and 123 to staccato dots in GE resulted from general revision by this publisher – see the note in bar 7. However, the same change in EE can be puzzling, as EE generally kept the wedges printed in FE. According to us, it is an arbitrary revision inspired by the dot at the beginning of bar 121. The reviser also modified slurs – see the preceding note. See also bar 140.

category imprint: Differences between sources

issues: Errors in EE , GE revisions

b. 121-123

composition: Op. 12, Variations in B♭ major

Slurs to quaver in FE (→GE)

Slurs over demisemiquavers in EE
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The shorter slurs over the demisemiquavers in the 1st halves of bar 121 and 123 most probably resulted from routine revision performed by EE – the slurs were adjusted to the demisemiquaver groups and brought into line with the slurs at the end of these bars.

category imprint: Differences between sources

issues: EE revisions

b. 123

composition: Op. 12, Variations in B♭ major

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In the main text we include the  raising g1 to g1 added in GE, although it is uncertain whether it was performed at Chopin's request. In the harmonic language of this variation, the use of an altered dominant in this model cadence in F minor would be inconceivable.

category imprint: Differences between sources

issues: Errors in FE , GE revisions , Omission of current key accidentals , Last key signature sign , Errors repeated in EE

b. 123

composition: Op. 12, Variations in B♭ major

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FE has rittenuto instead of the correct ritenuto. EE corrected the mistake. GE gives the correct shortened form riten.

category imprint: Interpretations within context; Differences between sources

issues: EE revisions , Errors in FE , GE revisions