Henle Verlag Koussevitzky Kontrabasskonzert

This Henle Urtext edition of Koussevitzky’s Double Bass Concerto Op. 3 is an outstanding publication — beautifully produced, carefully researched, and a pleasure to work with. As double bass players, we all know how central this concerto is to our repertoire, and having a reliable, modern, and scholarly edition makes a real difference in both study and performance.

Editorial Quality & Scholarship: Henle’s reputation for precision is fully present here. The edition, prepared by Tobias Glöckler, draws from multiple historical sources, including early piano reductions and even recordings of Koussevitzky himself. This gives the performer a text that feels trustworthy, coherent, and free from the many errors that plagued earlier editions.
The inclusion of two piano reductions — in E minor and F♯ minor — is extremely practical, whether one plays in solo tuning or orchestral tuning.

Layout & Readability: the engraving is clean, spacious, and easy to read. Page turns are thoughtfully placed, and the overall presentation is elegant, as expected from Henle. The paper quality is excellent and durable, ideal for long-term use in lessons, rehearsals, and performances.

Musical Value: Koussevitzky’s concerto remains one of the most beloved works in our literature — a blend of Romantic lyricism and virtuosic writing that showcases the expressive and technical possibilities of the double bass. This edition supports that musicality beautifully.
The fingerings and bowings provided are practical and well considered, offering guidance without feeling restrictive.

For Students and Professionals Alike: whether you’re preparing the concerto for the first time or returning to it after many years, this edition provides everything you need: clarity, accuracy, and a layout that respects the performer. It’s suitable for advanced students, conservatory players, and professionals who want a clean, reliable score.

Final Thoughts: this is, without question, one of the best editions available of the Koussevitzky Concerto. Beautifully printed, musically reliable, and editorially rigorous — a true upgrade from older, error‑ridden versions.

A must‑have for any serious bassist.