There are 12 manuscripts of Fantaisie-Impromptu (some of which are alleged). Three of those manuscripts are for the 1834 version, both by Auguste Franchomme. Another manuscript is written in Chopin’s hand, dedicated to Frances Sarah d’Este. This manuscript is known as the 1835 version.
Note: The following numbering system (932-939) is taken from the number system used in the book: Rękopisy Utworów Chopina // Katalog // Manuscripts of Chopin’s Works // Catalogue, authored by Krystyna Kobylańska, a renowned Chopinologist. The numbering system (M1-M4) is fantaisieimpromptu.net’s numbering system for the Impromptu Duets since no catalogue exists.
- 932 – A manuscript written in Chopin’s hand, dedicated to Frances Sarah d’Este. This manuscript is know as the “d’Este” or “1835” Version. It was found in a book purchased by Artur Rubinstein in an action of Paris, France.
- 933 – “This manuscript may or may not be existence. It is referenced in a letter from Fontana to Ludwika. Unfortunately, this letter is lost. It is only referred to as a recollection.
- 934 – This manuscript is one of two written by Auguste Franchomme. It bears the inscription: “Impromptu de Chopin”
- 935 – This manuscript is one of two written by Auguste Franchomme. It bears the markings: “Impromptu inédit / pour le piano / Par Frédéric Chopin / Janv. 49.”
- 936 – This manuscript is by Ferdinand de Costa, an alleged student of Chopin.
- 937 – This is a copy provided to Marie Roubaud de Cournand.
- 938 – This is a snippet authored by Auguste Franchomme.
- 939 – This is a snippet authored by Auguste Franchomme.
La Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF) currently (13/07/2024 | dd/mm/year) holds 4 entries in its collection. Out of the 4, one is “complete”, while the others are “fragments”. They are all attributed to Auguste Franchomme.
There are also 4 copies of Fantaisie-Impromptu duet for violoncelle by Auguste Franchomme.
- M1 – Entry Title: Impromptu // de Chopin, The document consists of 4 pages. Page 1 is inscribed with: “Fantaisie Impromptu op 66″ There is also unintelligible writing and sheet music” Page 2 bears the title: “Impromptu de Chopin”. Due to the nature of this manuscript, it appears to be a draft, as it is missing many aspects compared to the “complete” manuscript.
- M2 – 4.e Impromptu // Posthume // de Chopin // traduit pour le Violoncelle // avec accomp.t de Piano // par // Aug.te […]
- M3 – Impromptu // de Chopin
- M4 – [Recueil de 3 pièces de Chopin] (Collection of 3 Pieces by Chopin)
Note: It’s possible, but more likely probable that there exist more copies of the Fantaisie-Impromptu Cello and Piano Duet. However, these were written after the publication of Fantaisie-Impromptu. These four copies are what is currently available in France’s National Library. Due to the potential plethora of additional copies that could be or once were in existence, this logic will not be pursued any further as it deviates from Fantaisie-Impromptu’s origin. These manuscripts have been included here because they were penned by Auguste Franchomme, and should be viewed as the last extension of the origin of Fantaisie-Impromptu, as I believe, this is a gray area that merits no further inquiries because its deviation can be considered no longer at its origin.