Book of the Month: Henle’s New Edition of J.S. Bach’s Flute Sonata in B Minor, BWV 1030
Review: A Treasure in Facsimile – Henle’s New Edition of J.S. Bach’s Flute Sonata in B Minor, BWV 1030
G. Henle Verlag’s latest offering is a gift to flutists, Bach scholars, and early music enthusiasts alike: a richly produced facsimile edition of Johann Sebastian Bach’s Flute Sonata in B Minor, BWV 1030. This edition brings together the autograph copy of the score—painstakingly notated by Bach himself—and a contemporaneous copy of the flute part, both housed in the Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin. Thanks to Henle’s meticulous four-color reproduction, readers now have the rare opportunity to encounter the music in a form that is as close as possible to the original manuscripts.
What makes this edition particularly valuable is not only its visual elegance, but its scholarly rigor. The introductory essay by Bach authority Yo Tomita offers important historical and contextual insights, situating the sonata within the framework of Bach’s chamber music and compositional practices. Martina Rebmann’s detailed commentary—provided in both English and German—helps to guide readers through the sources with an expert eye, clarifying subtle paleographic and editorial features that might otherwise go unnoticed.
From a performer’s perspective, the inclusion of both the score and the standalone flute part in facsimile format is an inspired choice. While the autograph score is inherently a scholarly object, the solo part—copied by a contemporary hand—is notably clear and functional. It offers modern-day flutists an authentic historical document that is not only visually compelling but also perfectly usable for historically informed performance.
The manuscript itself, one of the gems of the Staatsbibliothek’s Bach collection, is a model of Baroque calligraphy. Every stroke of Bach’s pen seems to pulse with energy and precision, a reminder of the care he took in preparing music for both posterity and practical use. The facsimile’s reproduction captures the texture of the paper, the ink’s density, and even the natural imperfections of a working document—details that draw us closer to Bach the man, not just the master.
In a publishing landscape that sometimes leans more toward utility than beauty, this edition stands out as a connoisseur’s volume. It is not only a tool for research and performance, but a tangible work of art in its own right. Henle has once again upheld its reputation for excellence by uniting musicological integrity with aesthetic refinement.
For those who cherish Bach, and for flutists seeking a deeper connection to this cornerstone of their repertoire, this facsimile edition of BWV 1030 is not merely recommended—it is essential.
ORDER TODAY:
https://www.henle.de/en/HN3232
