Bach: The Well-Tempered Clavier - Books 3&4
The Bartók Performing Editions
Expected to ship in 1-2 weeks.
- Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
- Editor: Béla Bartók (1881-1945)
- Instrumentation: Piano
- ISMN:
- Size: 9.3 x 12.2 inches
- Pages: 188
Description
Bach's Wohltemperiertes Klavier was Bartók's first instructional publication, divided into four books. Bartók became a professor of piano at the Budapest Music Academy in 1907, and it was probably in this capacity that he was entrusted with preparing a Hungarian edition of the set of pieces. His basic idea was that students learning independently without adequate guidance should receive sufficient directions from the music to perform the works. As a consequence Bartók's score is deliberately over-detailed.
For pedagogical reasons the composer ignored the original order of pieces, and compiled the material according to grades of difficulty, dividing it into four books. The present edition presents the Bartók Wohltemperiertes Klavier in two volumes, each containing two books.
One interesting feature of the Bartók edition is that two of the fugues in both book III and book IV are written out in full score, to accustom the pupil to score-reading. for some pieces he deliberately refrained from providing performance indications, to give pianists an opportunity to exercise their creativity.
The current edition is not a reprint: errors we know of have been corrected, and the layout of the score has been re-arranged keeping in mind the need to turn pages. This edition which includes Bartók's detailed comments is complemented by facsimiles of Bach's manuscript and an afterword by László Somfai.
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: The Well-Tempered Clavier - Books 3&4
