Chopin Piano Works Complete 7: Preludes (Polish National Edition)

Author: (Poland) Jan Ekier
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-04-01
Features: Chopin's works are the most frequently performed in all piano literature, but they are also the most heavily altered. Sixty years ago, we didn't understand what an "Urtext" was, and there were no Urtexts at the time. We believed that as long as it was Chopin, any version was the same. Later, we realized it wasn't that simple, and the differences between various versions were significant. Some were intentionally edited by arrangers, thinking they could "improve" Chopin's original compositions (such as the Karl Klindworth edition [1830-1916]). Most of these were based on misinformation, assuming they should be this way. In the mid-20th century, Poland published the Paderewski (Ignacy Jan Paderewski 1860-1941) edition, which largely clarified previous misconceptions and pioneered a completely new style of Chopin performance. This version became popular internationally for over half a century, but it is not a strict "Urtext" in the true sense. It used a so-called "standardization" method to "standardize" (simplify) many subtle variations in Chopin's manuscripts. Professor Ekier is today's most authoritative expert on Chopin. He is a piano professor with decades of experience in performance and teaching, as well as a knowledgeable and rigorous scholar. It is most appropriate for him to oversee the compilation of a new Chopin "Urtext." This new "Urtext" has been designated as the "National Edition" by the Polish government, highlighting its importance and authority. Professor Ekier not only based his version on Chopin's manuscripts and various first editions but also mastered many revisions and corrections made by Chopin during his teaching on student scores. As a result, his version contains many new discoveries that differ significantly from what we are accustomed to hearing. It is believed to be a new milestone.