Brahms first editions

[johannesbrahms]

Hello. I am one of those people who will only buy urtext editions of sheet music. I noticed on imslp.org that they have first editions of quite a few of Brahms' solo piano works. I was wondering, are these reliable editions? Since Brahms was a perfectionist, I don't think he would have allowed publishers to edit his compositions, so I think they would be completely accurate. I could be wrong, but does anyone know anything about this?

[quantum]

I've used a couple of Brahms pieces from IMSLP.  There are several places where alto clefs popped up (at least in the organ works).  Nothing really objectionable as far as I could tell.

A lot of my Brahms scores are Peters Edition. 

[jknott]

the alto clefs are probably original - brahms loved using the old notation.

[quantum]

the alto clefs are probably original - brahms loved using the old notation.

They actually make sense with regard to the score presentation, with the majority of pitches falling inside the staff.  A lot more elegant to look at IMO. 

[j_menz]

They actually make sense with regard to the score presentation, with the majority of pitches falling inside the staff.  A lot more elegant to look at IMO. 

Perhaps, but they can be a pain to read for those of us unaccustomed to them.

[quantum]

Perhaps, but they can be a pain to read for those of us unaccustomed to them.

Good practice nonetheless.  One day you may be asked to read an open score written all in c clefs.  Occasional use of them in an older score is manageable, and also a good practical intro into reading them. 

There are also useful transposition tricks you can do if you are able to read c clefs. 

[j_menz]

One day you may be asked to read an open score written all in c clefs.  

I'll take my chances and practice saying "No" as a backup plan.