Review (PDF) Bach: Goldberg Variations: Schirmer's Library Of Musical Classics
Piano Large Works
Series: Schirmer's Library of Musical Classics (Book 1980)
Paperback: 112 pages
Publisher: G. Schirmer, Inc. (March 1, 1993)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0793522455
ISBN-13: 978-0793522453
Product Dimensions: 9 x 0.3 x 12 inches
Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #150,703 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #28 in Books > Humor & Entertainment > Sheet Music & Scores > Historical Period > Baroque #40 in Books > Humor & Entertainment > Sheet Music & Scores > Composers > Bach #213 in Books > Arts & Photography > Music > Songbooks > Guitars & Fretted Instruments > Guitars
This is the Schirmer edition of the Goldberg Variations (BWV 988) by renown harpsichordist and music scholar Ralph Kirkpatrick. His preface is divided into nine parts:I - OriginII - FormIII - The InstrumentIV - OrnamentationV - FingeringVI - PhrasingVII - TempoVIII - DynamicsIX - General InterpretationOf these the most pages are given to the ornamentation, providing individual treatment of the various types (Appoggiatura, Mordent, Turn, Slide, Trill) and their execution in each of the Variations.The score/text presented in this edition is "that of the original engraved edition published in Nürnberg by Balthasar Schmid." Furthermore the "slightly inconsistent orthography of trills and mordents has been reduced ... to the system of Couperin." Finally, the "text has been transcribed into modern notation from the frequently changing clefs of the original" and "rests have been added to clarify the voice structure where temporary silences of individual voices are not scrupulously indicated in full by the original."The Schirmer edition writes out the execution of the ornaments in separate staves above the original score. Similarly, it provides separate staves in certain cases to present "a clearer view of the voice leading."No fingerings are provided in the score and the measure numbers are given below every fourth measure.At the very least, this is an excellent edition to follow along while listening and get a sense of some of the musical concerns that go into playing this astounding "piece".
I'm just getting back to the piano after many years away, and I wanted to challenge myself to the Goldberg Variations. Having grown up with Schirmer editions, I bought this one without thinking. Alas, I find that the editorial apparatus makes it very difficult for me to play from -- the editor has written out how to execute all the ornaments, and this extra set of staves is printed *above* the Bach text. More experienced players won't have difficulty with this, but for me it's very difficult to read (and I am very sad to have to turn the page twice as often as I ought to). It's a wonderful edition, of course, but it's just hard for me to play from.
Superb edition. Kirkpatrick provides a very informative commentary and, importantly for pianists, rearranges the notes when two manuals are called for so that one can play on a piano (without omitting a single note) without visual contortions. This negates the ridiculous argument that the Goldbergs are only a transcription when played on the piano. Ok, I am biased, because I am a pianist. I have played the Goldbergs and the complete WTC. To me, the piano is a far more satisfying instrument to listen to and play than a harpsichord, and I firmly believe that Bach would have written for the piano had he had the choice ( he pre-dated it). With this edition pianists can play the variations written for two manuals without fear and headaches. I learned the Goldbergs from the Henle edition, which is also fine, but was given this edition by my teacher specifically for its pianist friendly layout. The Henle edition lacks this edition's editorial notes, exposition of ornaments, and clear layout of pieces written for two manuals.
This is as expected it would be, an excellent product.Good notes, documented information, and explanations.Detailed ornamentation above each line, easy to view ornamentation against that which needs practiced.Exactly as promised in the description of the item.
This edition presents both the standard score/sheet music, plus written-out ornamentations from Ralph Kirkpatrick. Hidden in the forepages are MM settings for each variation - which is good, because sequences written as 32nds and 64ths scare me at first glance. If not for learning how to play these fascinating variations, then simply use them to follow along whilst listening to Jeremy Denk or Glenn Gould play can be a revelation.
Would prefer spiral bound, however, I knew what it was when I placed the order. That being said, there will be no doubt in your mind as to who Goldberg was and why these variations were composed. In addition, the how and why of each ornamentation is thoroughly explained. A worthwhile investment.
Here is a collection of Goldberg Variations with excellent print AND the details of the execution of the ornaments in EVERY case, plus the original text. Thus, there is a separate score for the ornamentation details plus the score for the original text whenever there are ornaments in the score.There is also a huge preface outlining history and methodology, fingering, phrasing, tempo and dynamics. Much to learn from this book of comprehensive score and fine print - oversized pages as well.Obviously I recommend this book to any Bach keyboard practitioner.
EXCELLENT! The score is easy to read and the preface is most valuable. I would recommend this score to others!
Bach: Goldberg Variations: Schirmer's Library of Musical Classics First Lessons in Bach - Book 2: Piano Solo (Schirmer's Library of Musical Classics) Bach - Violin Concertos: Schirmer's Library of Musical Classics, Vol. 2083 Bach: The Ultimate Piano Collection: Schirmer's Library of Musical Classics Vol. 2102 Cello Classics Intermediate To Advanced Level Cello/Piano (Schirmer's Library of Musical Classics) Violin Classics: Schirmer's Library of Musical Classics Volume 2079 Intermediate to Advanced Level Violin Classics: Schirmer's Library of Musical Classics Volume 2080 Advanced Level Violin with Piano Songs of Claude Debussy, Vol. 1: High Voice- The Vocal Library (Schirmer's Library of Musical Classics) Songs of Claude Debussy - Volume II: The Vocal Library (Schirmer's Library of Musical Classics) J.S. Bach - Selections from The Notebook for Anna Magdalena Bach (Schirmer Performance Editions) Bk with online audio Concerto in A Minor: Score and Parts (Schirmer's Library of Musical Classics) Beethoven: Favorite Piano Works - Schirmer'S Library Of Musical Classics Lb2071 Mendelssohn: Songs Without Words for the Piano (Schirmer's Library of Musical Classics Vol. 58) Piano Album: Piano Solo (Schirmer's Library of Musical Classics) Well Tempered Clavier - Book 1 (Schirmer's Library of Musical Classics Vo. 13) Partitas for the Piano, Book 1 (Schirmer's Library of Musical Classics, Vol.20) Two- and Three-Part Inventions: Piano Solo (Schirmer's Library of Musical Classics) Sonatas - Book 1: Piano Solo (Schirmer's Library of Musical Classics) Sonatas - Book 2: Piano Solo (Schirmer's Library of Musical Classics, Vol. 2) Brahms: Hungarian Dances - Book I for Piano Duet (1 Piano/4 Hands) (Schirmer's Library of Musical Classics, Vol. 257)
