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Poll

Most trustworthy sheet music edition for Brahms

Henle (Katrin Eich, Walter Georgii, Camilla Cai): 3 (50%)
Vienna Urtext (various): 0 (0%)
Baerenreiter (Christian Koehn): 2 (33.3%)
IMC complete in 3 volumes (unknown): 1 (16.7%)
Dover (Eusebius Mandyczewski): 0 (0%)
ABRSM (Howard Ferguson): 0 (0%)

Total Members Voted: 6

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Topic: Brahms Piano Works (Read 1955 times)

liszthalberg

PS Silver Member
Newbie
Posts: 1

Which sheet music edition of Brahms is THE most faithful to the intentions of the composer, for ALL of his piano works? I know there are likes of this poll that already exist but would like to narrow down options to just one and only one. I am never bothered about the publisher but only the editor. Also, unclear printing is immaterial for me as I can always compare b/w editions and work my way through. I have 6 options, I assume these are quality editions as many websites and forums suggest these, but what is the best edition if you were to choose just one? And are there any ones better than these? For any answer, please make sure to explain why, and thanks in advance. Of course, he is my favourite composer and I have an exam coming soon. Any help appreciated.

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anacrusis

PS Silver Member
Sr. Member
Posts: 814

Re: Brahms Piano Works

Reply #1 on: March 22, 2022, 11:10:19 PM

It's difficult to say which one is the best, since they're all good if they're an Urtext from a reputable publisher. I tend to like Henle, Vienna Urtext and Baerenreiter in general.

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samjoseph

PS Silver Member
Newbie
Posts: 2

Re: Brahms Piano Works

Reply #2 on: May 12, 2022, 04:42:32 AM

It really doesnt matter. Brahms was a careful proofreader and most of his text is quite secure. If you want fingerings, then probably henle or wiener or barenreiter. The only inaccuracy I can remember offhand is in var 6 of the paganini variations book 2. A repeat sign appears to be missing (read here: https://www.henle.de/blog/en/2012/08/06/%E2%80%98play-it-again%E2%80%99-%E2%80%93-is-a-repeat-sign-missing-in-brahms%E2%80%99-paganini-variations/). Otherwise only the layout and print quality will differ between the editions. Dover is definitely the most affordable, but its available on imslp. You could probably get an urtext and use this for comparison if cost isnt an issue. I personally would choose dover since the editor was known to brahms AND he didnt add anything of his own to the edition. Plus its cheap

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