Sibelius: String Quartets
Complete Works - Series IV - Volume 4
Expected to ship in 1-2 weeks.
- Composer: Jean Sibelius (1865-1957)
- Format: Full Score
- Instrumentation: String Quartet (Violin I, Violin II, Viola, Cello)
- Binding: Hardcover
- ISMN:
- Size: 9.1 x 12.0 inches
- Pages: 328
Description
Sibelius's oeuvre contains four string quartets. They appeared over a long time span and in different phases of his professional career. Most of his early compositions were chamber music, and he composed his three earliest quartets (in in E-flat Major (JS 184, 1885), A Minor (JS 183, 1889), B-flat Major (Op. 4, 1890)) around his study years. They remained unprinted during his lifetime, and the string quartet in E-flat Major was also not performed in public. The quartet in D Minor Voces intimae, Op. 56, on the other hand, was completed in London in the spring of 1909, and Sibelius wrote to his wife Aino: "It became wonderful. Just the kind that raises a smile on oneʼs face even at the moment of death." Voces intimae was published in the same year. Even later, Sibelius seemed to be very satisfied with his composition, for he wrote in his diary: "It is generally claimed to be my best work. I do not think quite that, but it does belong among my best ones."
Works:
- String quartet in B-flat Major, Op. 4
- String Quartet in D Minor ("Voces intimae"), Op. 56
- String Quartet in A Minor, JS 183
- String Quartet in E-flat Major, JS 184
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.
Sibelius: String Quartets
