Bach: Harpsichord Concerto No. 4 in A Major, BWV 1055
Expected to ship in 1-2 weeks.
- Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
- Editor: Maren Minuth
- Instrumentation (this edition): Piano Reduction, Harpsichord
- Originally for: Harpsichord, Orchestra
- Work: Harpsichord Concerto No. 4 in A Major, BWV 1055
- ISMN:
- Size: 9.3 x 12.2 inches
- Pages: 29
- Urtext / Critical Edition
Description
Printed in performance score format. 2 copies needed to perform.
Bach's harpsichord concertos have proven extremely popular, though several were originally written as concertos for another solo instrument – either violin or a woodwind instrument. But we know nothing about any such preliminary versions in the case of the A-Major Concerto BWV 1055. Its enchantingly songlike middle movement inevitably makes one think of the oboe d'amore, though there is in fact no reason to suppose that its idiomatic, spirited harpsichord writing was conceived from the outset for anything but a keyboard instrument. Ultimately, this music is so fresh and irresistible that all such speculation is irrelevant.
for this Henle Urtext edition of the A-Major Concerto, we consulted the autograph score and especially the original orchestral parts that presumably contain the musical text of the concerto as Bach himself performed it. You can't get more authentic than this!
The piano reduction contains the solo part with carefully chosen fingerings by Michael Schneidt, plus a piano accompaniment that Johannes Umbreit has arranged so as to be practical and easily playable.
Publishers use a lot of words to describe what they sell, and we know it can be confusing. We've tried to be as clear as possible to make sure you get exactly what you are looking for. Below are descriptions of the terms that we use to describe the various formats that music often comes in.
Choral Score
A score for vocalists that only contains the vocal lines. The instrumental parts are not there for reference. Generally, cheaper than a vocal score and requires multiple copies for purchase.
Facsimile
Reproductions of the original hand-written scores from the composer.
Full Score
For ensemble music, this indicates that the edition contains all parts on a single system (there are not separate parts for each player). In larger ensembles, this is for the conductor.
Hardcover
Hardbound. Generally either linen-covered or half-leather.
Orchestral Parts
Similar to a wind set, this is a collection of parts. In the case of strings, the numbers listed are the number of copies included, though generally these are available individually (often with minimum quantities required).
Paperback
When publishers offer multiple bindings (e.g. hardcover) or study scores, this is the "standard" version. If you're planning to play the music, this is probably what you want.
Performance / Playing Score
A score of the music containing all parts on one system, intended for players to share. There are not separate parts for each player.
Set of Parts
For ensemble music, this indicates that there are separate individual parts for each player.
Solo Part with Piano Reduction
For solo pieces with orchestra, this is a version that contains a piano reduction of the orchestra parts. For piano pieces, two copies are typically needed for performance.
Study Score
A small (think choral size) copy of the complete score meant for studying, and not playing. They make great add-ons when learning concertos and small chamber works.
Vocal Score
A score prepared for vocalists that includes the piano/organ part or a reduction of the instrumental parts.
Wind Set
For orchestral music, this is a collection of wind and percussion parts. The specific quantities of each instrument are notated.
With Audio
In addition to the printed music, the edition contains recordings of the pieces. This may be an included CD, or access to files on the internet.
With / Without Fingering (Markings)
Some publishers prepare two copies - a pure Urtext edition that includes no fingering (or bowing) suggestions and a lightly edited version that includes a minimal number of editorial markings.
Bach: Harpsichord Concerto No. 4 in A Major, BWV 1055
