Gmund Papier and G. Henle Publishers

For decades, Henle blue has stood for the highest quality in the world of music. This distinctive blue, which characterizes the covers of the Urtext editions of G. Henle Publishers, is manufactured with the utmost precision by Gmund Papier. The paper manufacturer has managed to implement the publisher’s existing brand color with high-quality paper, thus meeting the demanding requirements for look and feel.

G. Henle is known worldwide for its scientifically based urtext editions, which meet the highest standards of practical use. The dove-blue covers have become a trademark that not only creates brand recognition, but also expresses the values of the publishing house – timelessness, authenticity, refined simplicity. In Gmund Papier, the publishing house has found a partner that also meets these standards with sustainable production.

In exclusive insights, the G. Henle Publishers gives you more information about the significance of the Henle blue and the collaboration with Gmund paper.

Henle and Gmund Papier began working together in 2012, following a company outing to the paper mill. “Since then, we have realized a total of seven productions together,” reports the publishing house. Both companies share the same commitment to quality and environmentally friendly production. Every Henle edition is 100% “Made in Germany”.

“We think alike; we speak the same language”, says the publishing house. This shared philosophy, based on a passion for the product, is the basis for the successful collaboration. When musicians purchase Urtext editions from G. Henle Publishers, they receive the great classics of the repertoire. This ‘classical’ aspect is also reflected in the design and layout of the editions. The characteristic dove-blue cardboard has long been a visual seal of quality for musicians worldwide.

Henle blue has been a distinguishing mark since the publishing house was founded in 1948. “We were looking for someone who could implement exactly this blue with high-quality material,” explains the publisher. Gmund Papier managed to achieve the color reproduction in a natural, high-quality material. The special feel and slightly cloudy structure of the Gmund cardboard give the editions a particularly elegant look.

Musicians around the world value the Henle editions as lifelong companions. “The long-lasting and high-quality design means that you buy Henle editions ‘for life’.” The natural feel of the cardboard is an important feature, which is why lamination is deliberately avoided. The cardboard is therefore delicate. But perhaps that is precisely what encourages particularly careful handling of the editions. Long-term customer loyalty is strengthened by quality. At Henle, this is achieved through the scientific perfection of the sheet music and its aesthetic appearance. “The best scholars and musicians work on our editions.” An investment that pays off. The choice of Gmund material for the cover underlines this approach at all levels.

Henle blue has now achieved cult status – and not just in the music scene. The blue editions keep popping up in commercials, movies and series. You can even see a blue edition at the piano in an episode of Alf. The iconic Henle/Gmund cover is even used in commercials for luxury brands such as Mercedes-Benz to symbolize values such as quality and timelessness.

A particularly beautiful quote comes from the renowned piano duo Yaara Tal and Andreas Groethuysen: “The idea of binding sheet music in a blue cover may seem trivial at first; after all, it is the printed music that matters. But still: this clear blue is modern on the one hand, with its simplicity and elegance, and on the other hand it is reminiscent of spring water, a mountain stream, the source – in other words, Urtext.”

The blue now stands for the best quality sheet music and this is also noticeable due to the use of Gmund cardboard. The collaboration between G. Henle Publishers and Gmund Papier is exemplary of the harmonious combination of tradition and innovation. The publisher emphasizes: “Both partners are not satisfied with mediocrity, but always seek the optimum.” Each edition not only stands for practicality, but also for timeless elegance – a symbol of the love of music that connects generations of artists worldwide.