Best Edition of Rach 2nd..

[Bosendorfer_214]

I hate the Schirmer.  What else is there?

[Noah]

I think the only other edition available is the Boosey & Hawkes. I have it, and it's not too bad, though it's quite expensive.

[rachfan]

I agree with Noah, Boosey & Hawkes is the better of the two editions.

[la_carrenio2003]

The best edition of any Rachmaninoff's stuff is a russian one... I have a xerox of a "Muzgiz" 1946 edition I made from the Conservatory's library in Kiew. Maybe you can buy something like that by Internet in those web sites of universities in the section "used music sheet"...

[rachfan]

I believe that the quality of an edition of Rachmaninoff's music would depend upon whether it was composed before or after he left Russia.  For example, since he wrote the Op. 23 Preludes prior to the revolution, probably a Russian edition would be best.  But if it is music he composed while living in California and which was published through an American publisher, then that would seem to be the more authentic edition--to me at least.

[la_carrenio2003]

Interesting point, RachFan... I agree.

[quantum]

Ok, well I'll bring this one up again.  My local music store also has a Kalmus edition, how good is it? 

Also does Dover publish it?

[dmk]

I would go the Boosey and Hawkes...

I don't have the Rach 2 in this edition but I do have the Prokofiev Concertos in this and they are pretty good.

B&H seems to be the priniting standard for Rach....other than the Moments Musicaux which I don't think they print??? (anyone know, I have them in an IMC because I could not find a B&H)

Cheers

dmk

[mrchops10]

I believe that the quality of an edition of Rachmaninoff's music would depend upon whether it was composed before or after he left Russia.  For example, since he wrote the Op. 23 Preludes prior to the revolution, probably a Russian edition would be best.  But if it is music he composed while living in California and which was published through an American publisher, then that would seem to be the more authentic edition--to me at least.

I don't know if I quite agree. Publishers from the country of origin are not always superior, I greatly prefer Henle's Chopin edition to Padarewski's. I wish Henle published more modern reportoire, Boosey and Hawkes is alright for Rachmaninoff, but I have a special loathing for Durand. German publishing all the way!

[ralessi]

I dont think that any of the editions are really that different....just like any Prokofiev or Ravel....it was written so modernly that it was pretty set in stone when written so it wasnt really tampered with...im playing the Rach 2 now and the B&H is easier to read than the shirmer but reading through both editions and going over them with my teacher, they arent much different as far as markings, ect.  so i really dont think that you could say one publisher is any beter than another...as far as editing the music goes...ythats just my opinion.

Cheers!
Ricky

[Motrax]

I have the International Edition of Rach 2, and I like it quite a bit. There're two or three printing errors (small, blank spots instead of music), but they aren't big enough to call any of the notes into question. The pages are a nice off-white which is much easier on the eyes, and the pages stay open wonderfully well. The book itself is very sturdy - my copy almost looks brand-new, and I've had it and used it for 2 years now.