The edition is supplemented with a facsimile of the autograph. As well as being a bibliophiles delight, the edition also offer the opportunity to study the composers own manuscript in all its details. The most subtle nuances, which can only be represented in musical handwriting and never in print, can thus provide a logical extension of the typographical limitations of engraving, and convey additional stimuli for consideration of the interpretation of the work.

The three popular Intermezzi op. 117 can be seen as the epitome of Brahms’ late work for piano. Clara Schumann confessed: “In these pieces I at last feel musical life stir once again in my soul”. Brahms reacted, as he often did, in a rather brusque manner. Although he sometimes described the three Intermezzi as being “Wiegenlieder” (lullabies), he formally rejected this title: “It should then say, lullaby of an unhappy mother or of a disconsolate bachelor.” The new edition of these moderately difficult Intermezzi (level of difficulty 5/6) has now been revised following the musical text of the Brahms Complete Edition, and has fingerings by Andreas Boyde.