Reviews

Derr has done a superb job of editing Handel's second set of Suites de Pieces pour le Clavecin... Every possible alternative source has been consulted, variant versions of movements are all printed in the Appendix, and a full critical commentary in both English and Germin is included... If only all editions were like this one!
[Harpsichord & fortepiano]

Die Musik der "Suites de Pieces pour le Clavecin" legt Zeugnis ab von Händels einzigartiger Fähigkeit, ein breites Publikum anzusprechen und gleichzeitig die Kritiker zufriedenzustellen -- was sich auch von der vorliegenden Ausgabe behaupten ließe. Angesichts der überaus schwierigen Quellenlage hat der Herausgeber Ellwood Derr ganze Arbeit geleistet: Seine im Kleinstich gedruckten Ergänzungen und Ausführungsvorschläge sind immer nachvollziehbar und geschmackvoll und der Kritische Bericht ausführlich und informativ; Klaus Schildes zurückhaltender Fingersatz hilft über so manche Klippe hinweg und zeigt überraschende Perspektiven auf. Mehr kann man von einer Urtext-Ausgabe nicht verlangen.
[Piano News]

The current edition from Henle presents the 1733 version as close to the composer's original intentions as possible.
[Sheet Music]

The levels of difficulty of the
piano music published by G. Henle Publishers

The levels of difficulty of the piano music published by G. Henle Publishers

Guide to the levels of difficulty
"I don't know what 'difficult' means. Either you can play or you can't" – this was the rather terse comment by the great violinist Nathan Milstein, on being asked about the unbelievable difficulty of Niccolo Paganini's Caprice no. 1.

The relativity of the evaluation of difficulty in music immediately becomes clear. Yet I gladly take up this great challenge, presented to me by G. Henle Publishers. For I am aware of how useful a guide like this can be, both from my own experience as well as that of many colleagues. In particular so as to be able to identify "appropriate" works. For example for music teachers, who teach at very different levels, from beginners to those preparing for music conservatories, but also for all those interested amateurs for whom this guide is intended.

After careful deliberation I have settled on nine levels of difficulty, which I have divided into three groups: 1–3 (easy), 4–6 (medium), 7–9 (difficult). A number of parameters have been considered when assessing the level of difficulty. I have not just looked at the number of fast or slow notes to be played, or the chord sequences; of central importance are also the complexity of the piece's composition, its rhythmic complexities, the difficulty of reading the text for the first time, and last but not least, how easy or difficult it is to understand its musical structure. I have defined "piece" as being the musical unit of a sonata, or a single piece in a cycle, which is why Bach's "Well-Tempered Clavier" Part I comprises a total of 48 levels of difficulty (each prelude and fugue is considered separately), Schumann's Sonata in f sharp minor op.11 only has a single number. My assessment is measured by the ability to prepare a piece for performance. 

While assessing the pieces, it became clear that the medium level of difficulty (4–6) is the trickiest. Now and again this means that a piece is judged as a "3/4", even if it only deserved a "3" as far as piano technique is concerned. An example of such a "borderline" case (easy/medium) is Schumann's "Scenes from Childhood" op. 15 Von fremden Ländern und Menschen or at the other end "6/7" part of Bach's "English Suites". And of course within a main category there are also "from-to" evaluations (e.g. 7/8).

Any evaluation of art or music will always be subjective, even if the aim was to be objective. Despite the fact that I have endeavoured to be as careful as possible, I am all too aware that the results of my work can be called into question, and am therefore grateful for any suggestions you might have.

Prof. Rolf Koenen © 2010