This historical series, assembled and edited by Ignacy Jan Paderewski, has long been held in high regard as a neat, authentic and authoritative edition of Chopin's works. The edition has been based primarily on Chopin's autograph manuscripts, copies approved by him and first editions. The principal aim of the Editorial Committee has been to establish a text which fully reveals Chopin's thoughts and corresponds to his intentions as closely as possible. The full series, covering Chopin's complete works for piano, spans a whopping 21 volumes.
In accordance with the tradition of the genre, these are characterised by sentimentality, intimacy and programmatic tendencies. Characteristic for them is a turbulent middle section and a richly ornamented reprise. However, variability of dynamics and musical course are not appropriate for nocturnes, rather holding on to a particular mood, full of expectation or the past brought to the present.