Orchestra (3(picc)2.2.2 - 4.2.3.1 - timp.(cym ad lib.) - str)

SKU: BR.PB-5559-07

Urtext. Composed by Pjotr Iljitsch Tschaikowsky. Edited by Christoph Flamm. Orchestra; Softbound. Partitur-Bibliothek (Score Library).

Tchaikovsky's Hamburg Symphony in the Urtext

Symphony; Romantic. Study Score. 208 pages. Duration 44'. Breitkopf and Haertel #PB 5559-07. Published by Breitkopf and Haertel (BR.PB-5559-07).

ISBN 9790004213698. 6.5 x 9 inches.

Like Hamlet Overture, originating at about the same time, Tchaikovsky's 5th symphony, composed in 1888, focuses on the human existential question: To be or not to be - triumph over fate or triumph of fate? The per aspera ad astra dramaturgy underlying the symphony culminates in triumphant certainty. If Tchaikovsky was initially euphoric, then severe self-doubts befell him after he conducted the premiere in St. Petersburg. These doubts demonstrably led him to make interpretative changes for the Hamburg performance in 1889, including a cut in the finale. Only with the extremely positive response to this performance did his doubts dispel. Nevertheless, Tchaikovsky himself never again conducted the 5th symphony. It was only posthumously established in the repertoire through Arthur Nikisch's commitment. The new edition's textual criticism takes into account besides the autograph and first edition also the first edition's orchestral parts, together with the piano arrangement produced from the autograph by Sergei Taneyev. In addition to thoroughly clarifying dynamics and articulation, the source comparison also corrected many errors and solved problematical passages, such as, for instance, the trombone entry in m. 372 of the finale. Considered, moreover, for the first time has been the composer's doubts about his work and its ambiguities, frequently successfully suppressed in the history of its performance and reception. Tchaikovsky's conductor's copy is unfortunately lost, hence his alterations made for the Hamburg performance are not precisely known. They have survived only indirectly through remarks that Willem Mengelberg left to posterity, for which he could draw on Tchaikovsky's conductor's score and oral references by the composer's brother Modest. So, anyone wishing to deal seriously with the work's certainties will not be able to do so in the future without having also to deal with its uncertainties.

Tchaikovsky's Hamburg Symphony in the Urtext.

Orchestra (solo: S - 4(2picc).3(cor ang).3(Eb-clar.Bb-clar).3(dble bsn) - 4.3.0.0 - hp.timp.perc(4) - str)

SKU: BR.OB-5634-60

Final Version 1911 - Textcritical Edition. Composed by Gustav Mahler. Edited by Christian Rudolf Riedel. Voice; stapled. Orchester-Bibliothek (Orchestral Library). Symphony; Late-romantic. Set of parts. 1076 pages. Duration 55'. Breitkopf and Haertel #OB 5634-60. Published by Breitkopf and Haertel (BR.OB-5634-60).

ISBN 9790004345085. 10.5 x 14 inches.

Of all his symphonies, Mahler gave the Fourth, his favorite and problem child, his most particular attention. The Heavenly Life, a humoresque composed in 1892 for soprano and piano, which he already wanted to use in the final movement of the Third Symphony under the title What the Child Tells Me, ultimately became the nucleus and final movement of the Fourth. Even after publication in 1901, Mahler kept repeatedly refining the orchestration. His maxim not without my retouching led to a whole series of revised reprints. It is probably no coincidence that Mahler performed especially the Fourth Symphony in his last two New York concerts in February 1911, using this opportunity to review once again the score and parts. This performance material with his retouching served as the main source for the new edition. Furthermore, included for the first time were corrections and annotations in conjunction with performances of the Fourth, which Mahler entered into the scores of conductors such as Mengelberg and Wickenhauser. PB 5664 has been awarded the Presto Sheet Music Award 2020.