Walter Bergmann Sheet Music

About Walter Bergmann

Walter Bergmann (1902–1988) was a German-born harpsichordist, recorder player, editor, and composer who became a pivotal figure in the English Early Music revival after settling in England in 1939. His primary musical contributions centered around Baroque music and the promotion of the recorder, establishing him as a significant advocate for historical performance practice and a key facilitator of accessible early music repertoire for a wide audience.

  • Before dedicating himself to music, Bergmann studied law and established his own practice in 1933, notably defending Jewish clients, which led to his arrest and subsequent emigration to England in 1939.
  • He worked as a prominent editor for Schott Music from 1942 until 1967, specializing in Baroque composers such as Telemann, Handel, John Blow, and Henry Purcell, and also served as general editor for the Eulenburg edition of miniature scores.
  • Bergmann was instrumental in the revival of the countertenor voice, collaborating extensively with Alfred Deller, whom he accompanied on harpsichord in performances and recordings, particularly of Purcell's music.
  • He played a crucial role in re-establishing the Society of Recorder Players in 1946 and, through his teaching at Morley College, fostered a renewed interest in both amateur and professional recorder playing, editing numerous works for the instrument.

Walter Bergmann's sheet music is especially suited for recorder players of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced performers, as well as enthusiasts of Baroque and Early Music. His editions provide historically informed and practical access to a vast repertoire, including his own compositions and numerous arrangements of works by masters like Telemann and Purcell. Performing his music offers a rewarding experience by connecting musicians with the rich traditions of early music, helping to develop nuanced technical and interpretive skills, and contributing to the enduring legacy of the recorder.

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