Bach A Major Sonata - vide??

[lianeandflute]

Hey everyone,

I currently studying the JS Bach A major sonata and I'm really confused about a section towards the end of the 1st movement. In my edition (which is Henle Verlag) this section is in slightly smaller print, at the beginning of this section there is a sort of half [ bracket and it says "Vi" and then at the end of the section is another half ] bracket and "de." Then the movement finishes normally. This way of printing isn't in all editions, but all editions have a section towards the end that is slightly different. Various recordings also have slightly different sections towards the end. All finish the same way.

I hope what I'm saying makes sense...

My teachers don't know what this means and I can't seem to find any information on it. Does anyone know anything about it?

Thanks guys!

Liane

[fluttiegurl]

Vide literally means "cut" or to cut out a section of music. This is usually an editors interpretation, making the cut optional. I have several editions of the same piece, with several variations, which is not at all uncommon.

[lianeandflute]

I see, thanks very much! But why is this varied section an option to cut? Was this section unfinished before, or maybe lost somehow?

[fluttiegurl]

I'm not sure bout this particular piece. Sometimes, editors will research further to try to get back to the original. Other times, it is done to better fit a score that has been added. Then there are times when it is just an editor's choice for no real reason other than choice. I am sure there are other reasons as well.

The best thing to do is get as many recordings as you can find and pick what you like. If it is for a competition or audition, be sure to check and see which edition is required. That could be an issue.