Description
The Preludes of Op. 28 encompass all 24 major and minor keys arranged in a circle of fifths, with each major key paired with its corresponding relative minor. Unlike the traditional use of such compositions for educational purposes, Chopin's Preludes were crafted for concert performance, showcasing a wide array of moods, tempos, articulations, and textures. The National Edition aims to present Chopin's complete works in their authentic form, drawing from a comprehensive analysis of available sources using contemporary scientific and musicological methods. This edition relies primarily on materials directly associated with the composer, including autographs, copies of autographs, and first editions featuring Chopin's corrections, as well as student copies annotated by him. In instances where original sources were unavailable, the most relevant materials were utilized. The meticulous process of gathering these source materials required years of dedicated effort. Each volume includes a Source Commentary that addresses the characteristics of the sources, their interconnections, discrepancies, and the rationale behind specific editorial choices. Additionally, a Performance Commentary is provided, detailing the realization of ornaments, insights on pedal markings—which may be inadequate due to differences in sound between historical and modern pianos—and recommendations for achieving harmonic legato, a performance technique favored by Chopin that has since fallen out of common practice.
