Peter or Schirmer

[8426]

I would like to buy a Peter's edition of Gradus ad Parnassum but I don't know what big difference it would be from Schirmer, likewise for maybe Cramer and maybe Chopin. Would it just be better to buy a cheap Schirmer instead of an expensive Peter's?

[jgallag]

No. Sometimes the Schirmer fingerings make you wonder if the editor actually played the piece before. I don't know much about editions, so hopefully someone else can help you out, but Schirmer is definitely to be avoided. You get what you pay for, as they say.

[quantum]

Under most circumstances, avoid Schirmer.  Often you see questionable editing practices, and overzealous editing that does not differentiate much between editors additions and original content.  The really old Schirmers that were published many decades ago are sometimes the worst offenders.  They come from a time when there was a different frame of mind towards publishing music and editors added their own opinions of a composers work directly to the score.  Some of these really old prints could also be considered public domain if you really wanted to get your hand on a copy. 


Which composer are you talking about?  Clementi, Czerny, Debussy?

[8426]

I am talking about Clementi's Gradus ad Parnassum.
I am currently studying op. 299 of Czerny and it is edition Schirmer. I don't see that much of a problem with the fingering. Are you talking phrasing?
Anyways, you all say peter's would be better even if its expensive then?
One more thing. About Gradus ad Parnassum, should I buy the selected 29 studies or all the 100 studies?

[quantum]

Yes, Peter's would be better.  I wouldn't consider Schirmer a bargain.  You may eventually need to purchase the same work in a more reputable edition.  Also be aware that many competitions and exam boards do not accept Schirmer editions. 

[general disarray]

I'm confused:  "Petter or Schirmer," is what is meant in the thread title, isn't it?  The famous Swedish edition that comes with a copy of "Hanon Saved My Life"?

Is anyone else confused here?  I personally enjoy the Petter Edition of "Famous Swedish Scherzi."  Particularly that one entitled, "Dark Days, Darker Nights."