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Huneker, James, 1860-1921

"Chopin : the Man and His Music"

After
you have enjoyed playing this study read Kullak and his
"triplicity in biplicity." It may do you good, and it will not
harm the music.
In all the editions save one that I have seen the third study in
D flat begins on A flat, like the famous Valse in D flat. The
exception is Klindworth, who starts with B flat, the note above.
The study is full of sunny, good humor, spiritualized humor, and
leaves the most cheering impression after its performance. Its
technical object is a simultaneous legato and staccato. The
result is an idealized Valse in allegretto tempo, the very
incarnation of joy, tempered by aristocratic reserve. Chopin
never romps, but he jests wittily, and always in supremely good
taste. This study fitly closes his extraordinary labors in this
form, and it is as if he had signed it "F. Chopin, et ego in
Arcady."
Among the various editions let me recommend Klindworth for daily
usage, while frequent reference to Von Bulow, Riemann and Kullak
cannot fail to prove valuable, curious and interesting.
Of the making of Chopin editions there is seemingly no end.


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