Mendelssohn: Concert Overtures - Volume 1 (Early Versions)
Leipzig Edition: Series I - Volume 8A
Expected to ship in 1-2 weeks.
- Composer: Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847)
- Editor: Christian Martin Schmidt (1942-)
- Format: Full Score – Hardcover
- Instrumentation: Orchestra
- Binding: Hardcover
- ISMN:
- Size: 9.8 x 12.6 inches
- Pages: 336
Description
The concert overtures of Felix have a very special significance in music history. Not only do they represent the first independent overture compositions that no longer introduce anything, but as the starting point of a new genre they signal the dawn of great Romantic instrumental music. Looking at the documents preceding the final versions of the concert overtures sheds light both on Mendelssohn's working methods and on the various aesthetic motifs that prompted him to develop the new genre.
In the present volume of the Leipzig Mendelssohn Edition, the surviving early versions of the overtures are presented with the surviving sketches and drafts. These are previously unpublished sources for the following works:
– Concert Overture to Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream MWV P 3 (drafts of the version of early summer 1826), – Concert Overture Die Hebriden / The Isles of Fingal MWV P 7 (sketches and version 1830), – Concert Overture Meeresstille and glückliche Fahrt MWV P 5 (version 1828), – Concert Overture to the fairy tale of the beautiful Melusine MWV P 12 (version 1833).
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.
Mendelssohn: Concert Overtures - Volume 1 (Early Versions)
