Mendelssohn: Variations for Piano
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- Composer: Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847)
- Editor: Holger M. Stüwe
- Instrumentation: Piano
- ISMN:
- Size: 9.6 x 12.2 inches
- Pages: 86
- Urtext / Critical Edition
Description
The Variations, Op. 54 were intended to be serious as they were contributed to a benefit album in aid of the Beethoven memorial in Bonn. The attribute refers less to the musical character of the work than the composers desire to write something quite different from the usual applause-seeking Variations brillantes of the period. And it is exactly this compositional skill which pianists, composers and music historians have ringing in their ears, when they describe Mendelssohn's Variations serieuses, Op. 54 as one of the key works of the Romantic piano repertoire.
The Variations, Op. 54 gave the composer the impetus to study this music form in great depth. Following on directly from this work, Mendelssohn wrote the Variations in E-flat, Op. 82 and B-flat major, Op. 83, published posthumously. These are lighter works, both in tonal approach and also in their technical demands.
The edition brings together Mendelssohns three most important sets of variations for piano opp. 54, 82 and 83. It offers the versions of the first editions and in addition, for the first time, the numerous variants which survive in different autograph manuscripts. This offers an insight into the genesis of creating the pieces and also opens a wide field of artistic discussion for the interpreter.
Works:
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 of the Autograph
These are hardcover, research-quality reproductions of the original hand-written scores from the composer.
Hardcover
Some publishers print a hardbound, linen-covered version in addition to the standard paperback. The music inside is identical. These editions are beautiful though rarely cheap.
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
For chamber pieces, playing scores have all of the parts on one system. There are not separate parts for each player.
Score (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.
Mendelssohn: Variations for Piano
