Temp for Brahms 1st Piano Concerto D minor

[jimr]

Dear Sir,

Looking at the Johannes Brahms OP15 Piano Concerto No. 1 D minor edited by Edwin Hughes the opening page of the first movement dose not have a tempo marking. The word "Maestoso" is above the first measure but that referes to a Majestic style or in the Grand Manor. Later on on page 19 there is "Poco Piu Moderato" a standard tempo marking and well known. There is also one on page 74 in the Rondo "Allegro non Troppo" but what is the tempo to start with?
There is also capital letter "A" inside of a circle and later on other capital letters in other circles. We would like to know what these represent. They are not ends or beginings of movements.
Would appreciate any information you may provide.
Thank you
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[heffalump]

First of all - don't post your email address on this website (you never know who might see it).
You quite rightly identified the meaning of the term 'maestoso' as meaning majestically. It's not a set metronome speed, but would generally be a moderate to slow tempo. I would suggest trying it out at several speeds until it feels right. You could also try listening to some recordings for other musicians interpretations of the tempo.
The letters in circles are called rehearsal letters. These are placed throughout the score at regular intervals (usually where the themes change) to identify points to start when rehearsing with an ensemble. Its quicker than looking for where the different sections start in the score and then counting bar numbers.