Complete Symphonies in Full Score

Like all the other reviewers here, I realize there's no reason to say much about the music included in this score; Brahms' symphonies are all among the true gems of post-Beethovinian symphonic repertoire. Enough said. Compared to Dover scores by composers contemporary to Brahms, such as Wagner, the notation in this score is surprisingly up-to-date. There's no eccentric clef use, and the instruments are in the right positions compared to each other.The only irregularity I've been able to find is that the piccolo flute is printed below the regular flute in the fourth symphony, and I think we all can live with that. Some people may be scared off by the fact that there's some German involved, but I doubt that this should be a problem for anyone, as long as you remember that H = B and B = Bb. In fact, the only part of it that's German is the names of the instruments; all text related to the musical notation uses familiar Italian terms. My only gripe with it, something Dover can't really be faulted for, is the sometimes rather cramped format. The ensemble Brahms uses is curiously ill-suited for this format: When the entire ensemble is playing, you have more free space than even the most pedantic analyst could ever fill. For passages where a few instruments are left out, a reduced score with two (or some very few times three) staff systems put on each page, leaving the page already cramped, with little space for analytical notes. I can't really subtract any stars for this though, since Brahms wrote his music this way, and this is the standard score size for symphonies published by Dover. These small notes aside though, I think I can heartilly recommend this to anyone interested in following along with their favourite Brahms recording (or in concert), or use it for analytical purposes. All minor gripes put aside, it is still the product that by far offers the best value on the market.

The intricate and painstaking weaving of the dozen or more "voices" of strings, woodwinds, and brass that Brahms wove into his symphonies quieter, slower movements can, in my opinion, be more fully grasped and appreciated by having the full orchestral score there, right before ones eyes. Hearing the notes is one thing; but hearing and seeing the notes at the same time is, to me, exhilarating! I learn more about the possibilities (timbre and range) of different instruments (clarinet, English horn, and cello especially) by having the notes and speeds of their passages down, in black and white, in front of me. (Another thing: it is both fascinating and instructive to play passages written for clarinet or cello on a different instrument, such as an acoustic guitar, a piano or a trumpet--all of which I (amateurishly, to be sure!) play. For me, having the scores of these great symphonies has led to my having a richer response to them, and I would heartily recommend this book to anyone desirous of penetrating to the heart and soul of such endlessly satisfying and immortal music.

Magnificent value for a full-size edition of all four of Brahms' symphonies. Perfect for aspiring conductors/composers/musicians.

This edition is (inexpensive), detailed, and easy to read. I use these scores for study and rehearsal and I highly reccommend it. Detailed corrections (as well as explanations) from earlier editions were done by Hans Gal. It is a large score (9 3/8 x 12 1/4 inches)and the is very durable. The pages are thick and the binding allows for the score to lie flat for easy use.

This edition of the Brahms symphonies is relativley cheap for the wealth of material it presents. The music is very easy to follow and is a must for the Brahms fan and serious student or layperson.