Beethoven’s Gesamtausgabe (Complete Edition)

Part of the library of the Beethoven Music Research Center (C.R.M.B.), this section presents the full PDF version of the historic but still essential Gesamtausgabe (GA), published between 1862–1865, with supplements from 1888 and 1890.

This was the first “complete” edition of Ludwig van Beethoven’s works, titled:

Ludwig van Beethovens Werke: vollständige kritisch durchgesehene überall berechtige Ausgabe (Ludwig van Beethoven’s Works: Complete, Critically Reviewed, Universally Authorized Edition)

? Historical Context

The edition was independently produced by the publisher Breitkopf & Härtel in Leipzig, without the backing of a formal society like those for Bach or Handel. It was completed in just three years and published in 24 series, each available as individual volumes or works. For the first time, orchestral parts were included alongside scores, making it a practical resource for musicians.

Breitkopf & Härtel had to negotiate rights with various publishers to include works under the label “Mit Genehmigung aller Originalverleger” (With permission from all original publishers). The edition included rare, unpublished, and even previously misattributed works, which were critically reviewed and corrected.

? Editorial Contributions

The edition was curated by leading scholars and musicians of the time:

• Julius Rietz – orchestral and vocal works
• Ferdinand David – chamber music
• Carl Reinecke – piano repertoire
• Ernst Friedrich Richter, Selmar Bagge, Franz Espagne – songs and lieder
• Moritz Hauptmann, Otto Jahn – general support

In 1887, a supplementary volume was added, prepared by Gustav Nottebohm and completed by Eusebius Mandyczewski, containing 46 previously unknown works. Two more works were added in 1890, bringing the total to 311 compositions.

? Later Editions and Criticism

A revised edition for educational and practical use appeared between 1888–1890, with orchestral parts transcribed for piano. An 8-volume supplement included four-hand piano arrangements.

At the 1911 International Music Society Congress, musicologist Friederich Spiro proposed a full revision due to inaccuracies and omissions. Willy Hess later compiled a catalog of authentic works not included in the original edition, published in 1957.

Today, a new edition is underway: Die Neue Beethoven-Gesamtausgabe (NGA) – Ludwig van Beethoven, Werke. Gesamtausgabe.