Johann Sebastian Bach: Mass in B minor; vocal score edited by Neil Jenkins. Novello NOV 078430

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This is presumably the last in the series of new Bach Editions edited by Neil Jenkins for Novello. Unlike the others which are a personal reflection on the Editor in terms of his own new English translations - and excellent they all are as has been reflected in these columns - this performing edition of the Mass in B minor aims at simplifying the many anomalies which even today exist in the score. This will enable not only singers, but instrumentalists to rehearse and perform with confidence and not have to waste time sorting out variant readings. The edition was used for the first time in Brighton last November and will surely become the preferred edition of the work - as has rapidly been the case for the English versions of the Passions.

BH