Homepagee Research centre Noten1Noten2
contents | search | legal | location | patrons | links | contact us |
HomepageMuseumResearchLibraryChamber music hallPublishersSocietyShopStageDigital archive
Beethoven research Beethoven research
Complete edition of works Complete edition
 of works
Edition of correspondence and documents Edition of
 correspondence
 and documents
Draft research Draft research
Promotion of young scientists and musicians Promotion of
 young scientists
 and musicians
Forum projects Forum projects
Forum musical practice Forum musical
 practice
Staff Staff
News News
Noten1
Noten2

Complete edition of works

One of the Beethoven-Archiv's most important tasks is editing the new complete edition of Beethoven's works (Gesamtausgabe). It is published by G. Henle Verlag, the first volume appeared in 1961. The editions are edited by employees of the Beethoven-Archiv as well as external editors from all over the world. In the process, all the available sources are consulted, including Beethoven's autographs, the copies checked by the composer, as well as the original editions published during his lifetime. The editorial guidelines (in German) provides important information for all the editors.

The aim is to provide a musical text which reflects Beethoven's intentions as closely as possible and which also takes into account aspects of musical practice. A so-called critical commentary illuminates and justifies the problems concerning the edition, the numerous differences between the individual sources, etc.

It should comprise 56 volumes, of which about half have already been published. They will encompass all of Beethoven's completed compositions, including the early versions and authentic arrangements; in addition the larger fragments and more extensive sketches.


More information




Quellen zur Edition der 9. Symphonie Complete edition