Nocturne OP 72 NO 1 Different Scores and Timings?!

[adodd81802]

Hi clue is in the subject.

I have blasted through this piece over the last week, i don't find it that technically difficult but i do enjoy it.

However there were some timings that were really throwing me off, although I thought maybe I just wasn't getting it I took to youtube to listen to some interpretations.

Not only did I find their timings seemed very different I also heard a couple of notes that seemed off. I had a search and found a number of different scores for this piece (I know that's not unusual with music) but I am interested to know the most common score that's learnt.

I have attached a screen shot of some of the differences. On the right is the version I am playing (trying to play) On the left is the differences im hearing and seeing. The timings for the version I play seem very weird.

However in the First example I much prefer the F# E on the right as opposed to the G E i keep hearing... but I do prefer the neutral C in the second example to the C#....!!

I may just re-learn the 2nd piece i'm getting a headache with the akward timings on the one i have learnt.... Thanks in advance!!

[themeandvariation]

Hi  adodd.
I would agree.. The f# is preferable to the g..  Also, the c natural is correct… (funny how some think c natural is a mistake.. )
 
As far as the timing is concerned, it is 3 against 4 …  But you have the added complication of the trill… If played like a mordent, you can still have the second note of the rh hit before the lh 2nd note in the triplet while keeping the pulse... If you wish a trill, (longer than a mordent) you may have to bend the pulse a bit.. I should think that this accounts for the different versions of the rhythm you hear there… Play around with it, til it feels natural..(you might try practicing without the trill to clearly hear the 4 against 3… Then, add the trill.. )

[outin]

You will see and hear different versions because the only source available is the edition by Julian Fontana, the originals are lost. He was known to make alterations to Chopin's text, probably quite a lot to this one since it was never made ready for publication by Chopin himself. Later editors have made their own corrections to the score. I have studied the Ekier edition, which to me seems logical and sounds good.

[themeandvariation]

"The f# is preferable to the g"…continuing with this idea: If it were a 'g', it would be the only place where that ubiquitous pattern happens, where the drop is a minor third…  It doesn't seem likely to me that he would break the pattern  'there'. 

[adodd81802]

Thanks for your comments. Interestingly Rubinstein plays G... I have often referred to his interpretations for assistance on timings etc.

I will have a mess around and see how I can get a more natural sound.