Julius Rontgen: Passacaglia Und Fuge (1911) For Solo Piano

Description

Julius Rontgen's Passacaglia and Fugue dates from 1911 but was not published until 2007 by Friedrich Hofmeisterverlag, Leipzig (FH3247). While studying and preparing the work for recording from the first edition, I discovered significant and numerous errors and decided that a second edition was necessary. The manuscripts for the Passacaglia and Fugue reside in the Rontgen Archives in the Netherlands Music Institute in The Hague. The catalogue numbers associated with this work are 107/027A (MS1), 107/027B (MS2) and 107/027C (MS3), each being a complete version. In preparing this edition, the latter version (107/027C) was used as the primary source as there is a clear progression of reworking and detail evident beginning with version A and ending with C. One obvious difference between the first edition (Hofmeister) and the present edition is the inclusion of four missing measures, m.217-220, that have been restored in this score. These measures are included in multiple versions of the manuscript, namely 107/027B and C. Editorial suggestions, such as metronome indications, are in brackets. Unless otherwise indicated, fingering and hand distribution suggestions are editorial. With some minor exceptions, pedal indications are by the composer. This is a major solo piano work from the early 20th Century that is a significant addition to the piano literature. This work demonstrates Rontgen's great artistry and expressive character and deserves a wider audience. I hope other pianists find this monumental piece important and feel compelled to perform it.