Urtext – The Successful Hunt for the Definitive Edition
New Publications of the Last Months
“Breitkopf Urtext” means that these editions are prepared by leading specialists working in close collaboration with musical practice. All material belonging to one work – and for large choral works these are: score, orchestral parts, piano reduction, choral score and study score – is carefully coordinated and incorporates findings drawn from all main sources. Next to autographs and first prints, these often consist of performing parts from the time of origin. “Breitkopf Urtext” does not seek to iron out differences; instead, it communicates source divergences in the Critical Commentary or in small type in the music text.
Editors’ decisions are always made explicit and critical commentaries are always contained in the score. They allow the user to find all relevant details rapidly. The prefaces provide both an informative access to the work and stimulating ideas on matters of performance practice.
“Breitkopf Urtext” editions are convincing thanks to their clear layout, well-placed page turns, logical cue notes and high-quality, reader-friendly paper. The fact that our orchestral editions satisfy the latest quality recommendations of the Major Orchestra Librarians’ Association (MOLA) and the German Orchestra Association (DOV) is a matter of course. We hope that you will find many ideas for your concert programs with our “Breitkopf Urtext” editions.