Chopin Mazurka Op. 7 No.2

[ngroff]

Hello all,

I was curious if anyone had any thoughts on the whether the e chord in measure 8 should be played major or minor. I have many copies in my music collection and it seems as though newer prints show it as major, older prints show it as minor (and are evenly split). Anybody know the history of this piece and have an opinion? Thanks!

vs.

[piulento]

Hi there,
I don't know the history of this piece, but as far as I know, it's usually played as E major. Interesting fact - I tried looking it up, and found out that this mazurka had an original less known version (in which the chord is indeed E major). Check it out:

I personally think it sounds better as E major - it gives a nice contrast - here you are, thinking the mazurka is all introverted and melancholic (because of the soft E minor 2 bars before), but then this sudden "burst" not only changes the dynamics (stretto forte), but gives you a fu***ng major chord. The pianist is no longer helpless, but is actually fighting for survival. At least that's how I see it...
But you should play it the way you feel like. In these types of cases there's no wrong answer.

[ngroff]

Ah, thanks for the other version! Of all the copies I have, I have never seen that one.

I myself am not playing this piece, rather teaching it to a student who attends the arts school in my city– so, I want to make sure we're honoring Chopin appropriately with the choices we make (her grade depends on it  ). I like your sentiment regarding the uplifting and surprising quality of an E Major chord following the e minor two measures prior. She's a very musically mature student (for 16) so, what I may do is put it in her hands and let her make a thoughtful choice after hearing and living with both. Thanks for the response!

[perfect_pitch]

You're going to hate me, but there are 2 editions from the 1830's that actually differ.

E Major chord (1833):
https://chopin.lib.uchicago.edu/gsdl/cgi-bin/library?e=d-000-00---0chopin--00-0-0-0prompt-10---4---Document---0-1l--1-en-Zz-1---50-home---001-001-1-0utfZz-8-0&a=d&cl=CL2.30&d=CHOP174.6

E minor chord (1832):
https://chopin.lib.uchicago.edu/gsdl/cgi-bin/library?e=d-000-00---0chopin--00-0-0-0prompt-10---4---Document---0-1l--1-en-Zz-1---50-home---001-001-1-0utfZz-8-0&a=d&cl=CL2.29&d=CHOP171.4

Just an interesting point.