Publication Date
9-23-2025
Document Type
Article
Keywords
Chopin, Étude, edition, editorial approach, interpretation, performance practice
Abstract
This article examines the widely used critical edition of Chopin’s Étude Op. 25, No. 1, analysing the editorial approach, inherent challenges, and interpretative decisions that shaped its final form. Published by the Fryderyk Chopin Institute Polish Music Publication, this edition aims to preserve Chopin’s original intentions through a careful examination of primary sources, including autographs and first editions. However, discrepancies and misleading editorial interventions raise concerns about its authenticity and reliability. This study evaluates the persuasiveness of the edition, scrutinizing the rationale behind its editorial choices and their impact on performance practice. While the edition provides valuable insights and practical guidance, it ultimately falls short of serving as a definitive, authoritative text. The discussion underscores the necessity of discerning the composer’s original intent while ensuring the credibility of the musical text. This analysis brings to light the need for performers to critically engage with editorial interpretations and recognize the significant role of edition selection in shaping artistic and interpretative decisions.
Volume
16
Issue
2
Article Number
3
First Page
81
Last Page
95
DOI
10.15385/jmo.2025.16.2.3
ORCID
https://orcid.org/0009-0005-4826-9724
Recommended Citation
Lam, Tyler
(2025)
"Scrutinizing the Critical Edition of Chopin's Étude Op. 25, No. 1: Insights and Challenges,"
Musical Offerings: Vol. 16:
No.
2, Article 3.
DOI: 10.15385/jmo.2025.16.2.3
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.cedarville.edu/musicalofferings/vol16/iss2/3
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Disclaimer
The CedarCommons repository provides a publication platform for fully open access journals, which means that all articles are available on the Internet to all users immediately upon publication. However, the opinions and sentiments expressed by the authors of articles published in our journals do not necessarily indicate the endorsement or reflect the views of Digital Services, the Centennial Library, or Cedarville University and its employees. The authors are solely responsible for the content of their work. Please address questions to the Digital Services staff.
Copyright
© Tyler Lam. All rights reserved.
