Dvorak's Humoreske -Time sig

[menancyandsam]

I'm starting to learn this piece.  My edition has this piece in G major with the key sig as 2/4 and in parenthesis (4/8).  My question is:

1)  What does the parentheses around the 4/8 imply?
2)  How would you go about counting this piece?
3)  I've seen an edition that has this same piece in a Gb major.  Most all the notes are the same as the Gmaj edition, except for pedal markings.  Is the Gmaj key signiture correct?  How/why can the same piece be in different key signitures?  Doesn't that make it sound different?
4)  Any suggestion on how to approach this piece?

I've attached the two versions below.

Thanks

[mike_lang]

1) The parentheses indicate that it is the editor's addition, although I can't find this elusive 4/8 marking.  It probably suggests that the tempo is slow enough to consider the piece in 4, rather than 2.  I disagree with this.

2) I would feel the pulse in a moderately slow two.

3) I suspect the G major key signature was either in error, or more likely, a simplification for the amateur pianist.  I've seen an edition of the Moonlight sonata in D Minor before.

4) With humor?  Sorry for the smart-ass answer... On first glance, I see a carefree happiness followed by perhaps a temporary joy, with the B section in f# minor implying the desire for a more lasting happiness.

[tompilk]

hehehe...
i love the time signature in scriabin op 11 no 24... check out the time sig... hehehe so cruel...
Tom
https://www.piano.ru/scores/skriabin/24.pdf

[sissco]

Beautifull prelude though 

[kevincoan]

The correct version is in the key of Gb major. So many people are afraid of the key signature that it is almost always published in G major as well, and the G version far outsells the Gb version. If you can get over the fear of six flats, and please do, it is actually easier in Gb than in G, because the melody stays pretty much on the black keys!