What do you do about editions?

[Bob]

That's always stumped me.   Maybe I'm answering my question here though.

What edition do you use?

I guess research the piece.  Then you really know.

Henle, something as authentic as possible, but then it's just plain Henle.  Great for all your interpretation with your in depth research and expertise.   

So then what edition?  And that varies by composer.  Maybe more than one edition and you research the editor.


That's "the" answer, isn't it?   You need at least two editions.  One as pure as possible and then one or more with edits.  And then you do your own research on interpreting the composer and more research on whoever made the edited version, factoring in whatever common knowledge base there is.  The current trend of what's correct would factor in too.

[klavieronin]

I remember reading an article (don't know where) the said the editor is much more important than the publisher, so… I guess just research the editor first…?

[quantum]

First, I would identify needs of the person using the edition and how the edition will be used.  Is it a student new to music, a university student, an educated pro, a music researcher?  Go from there.  For example, a puritan urtext edition may not be the best choice for a students first book on Bach.  Likewise, a verbosely commented edition with overflowing editorial opinion, may not be the best choice if you were doing music research and publishing references to it in a journal. 

Do a bit of research, see what editions are being talked about.  Editions go in and out of fashion.

Grab at least two editions and compare.  Look how the editors approach the presentation of material.

Hold an edition in your hand.  Ask yourself, does this work for my purposes?

[v1ct0r]

It used to be where you could go into a local music store and look through editions to see which is the most accurate without mistakes in fingering, notes, articulation markings, etc. but now that it’s all online it’s best to know an older pianist with experience using and playing many pieces to help guide you. For example Joseph’s Schirmer is amazing for the waltzes and Nocturnes but the Alfred edition is the worst, and For the Beethoven sonatas the best edition is Henry Schenkers UNIVERSAL edition, and for the inventions and well tempered clavier books the Henle edition is your best bet without fingering markings.