For the editor of an Urtext edition, Bach’s A minor violin concerto BWV 1041 presents few problems, cleanly-written original parts exist from Bach’s Köthen (or early Leipzig) period. But beyond the guarantee of a reliable musical text, the Henle edition scores points in terms of text layout, thanks to a foldout solo part, turning pages is made comfortable, something that was previously a challenge because of the literally non-stop, continuous sixteenth notes in the opening movement. Other publishers have since copied this idea. Only the piano reduction from Henle in all three of Bach’s violin concertos can be effortlessly performed off the page, even by the lay musician.
