15 Two-Part Inventions

Schirmer Library of Classics Volume 1512 Piano Solo, arr. Busoni

By Johann Sebastian Bach

It is important to teach Bach according to the practices of Bach’s time, and according to Bach’s own instructions. It is also important to use an edition that gives you exactly what Bach wrote, not a rewrite that changes everything he wrote. This edition meets none of those...

objectives. Many note errors exist in the basic score. The realizations of ornaments do not follow Baroque practices, and they do not follow Bach’s direct instructions as to how to play his music. Now that good editions exist that do what they're supposed to, it would be a shame to use one that is so far removed from what Bach intended. Better choices: Alfred, edited by Palmer; the Bischoff edition, published by Schirmer or Kalmus; editions from Peters, Henle, Barenreiter, or Vienna Urtext. The Alfred has detailed explanations that make for good teaching. All the ornaments are written out in grey print, making it simple for the student to follow.

This music doesn't need my review, but it's an excellent publication in perfect shape and the shipping was very prompt.

Every student should learn the two and three part inventions, but NOT from this edition. It is perhaps the worst edition ever published. The ornaments are incorrectly written out. The 14th invention is not even the original version. Bach would weep if he could see this version, which is totally...

not in keeping with what he taught his own children. Use an urtext edition (Henle, Vienna Urtext, Peters, Barenreiter), or at least an authentic teaching edition instead, such as Alfred.

this is an unhistorical approach to ancient music. articulation an ornaments are not original. if you want to teach yourselves or your pupils reasonably, please buy an "urtext" edtion like baerenreiter, henle, universal or so. (i'm pianist, organist, piano teacher)

You must teach these pieces to your students