Complete Mazurkas and Polonaises: Schirmer Library of Classics Volume 2064 (Schirmer's Library of Musical Classics, 2064)

This is by Mikuli, Chopin's close student. As pianists we should look at Mikuli editions because Mikuli captures the performance practice of Chopin's time. You certainly can disagree with Mikuli, but it can't hurt to look. This Schirmer edition is outstanding. The print is excellent, the layout is large and well spaced. Easy to read. It's big, 296 pages. The binding is tight; tricky to keep open. It's a really nice volume. Very happy to have it.

Unlike other collections of the mazurkas, this collection includes all of the known pieces that Chopin wrote in this genre as well as his wonderful polonaises. The technical difficulties range from modest to demanding and most pianists should find pieces that suit their level of expertise, except for pianists in the early to mid-intermediate levels. The Schirmer printings are clear and easy to read and the bindings hold up to constant use, but it takes a while to get the books folded enough to stay open while playing. (Not really surprising as they are fairly thick books. Not really an issue for me.)

Arrived on time and as expected. This is an excellent edition with clear, easy to read print. It takes a bit if effort at first to get it to lie flat, no I just put a heavy book on the open music over night a few times and that took care of it.

My best edition of his mazurkas.

Title says it all: It would be nice to know exactly how this edition differs from Chopins intentions. Chopin's handwriting may be difficult to interpret but then that could have been stated. I lack explanations: How was the original handwriting, was there any room for doubt and why did Mikuli believe that his composing skills superseded those of Chopin? And if Mikuli was such an excellent composer why don't we know of anything he made?

I always love these Shirmer's editions. Clearly written and just the right size. Sometimes the pages wear so the binding isn't the best. Still, for the price it's great.

Nice economical way to supplement your Chopin collection. Also consider Schirmer's Nocturnes,Waltzes,Preludes.Binding is durable, but the book is thick enough where it is often difficult to keep book open. I'm a personal fan of sprial bound.

Good product.

Many of the pieces are Urtext, without fingerings. This is useless to pianists and not indicated until one actually has the music. Unluckily I bought two of these at once so am stuck. I will never buy Schirmer again.

Best value I could find for complete Mazurkas. However, pages do not stay open! Left a heavy book on the open pages overnight and it didn't really help.

Class item

Quality printing. Fingering are very considered and comfortable

Very clear music text but due to huge volume it is not so easy to lay it flat.Otherwise- wonderful for the price.