Characteristics of Collected Works editions:
- The complete works of a single composer (also known as a ‘complete edition’ or ‘Gesamtausgabe’).
- Valuable for the study of original versions of past music.
- Prepared on the basis of a critical evaluation of all known primary sources.
- Designed to present the most authoritative authentic version of its contents to most accurately reflect the composer's intentions.
- Editorial material clearly distinguished from the original.
- ‘Collected editions’ refer to those publications that aim to present a complete repertory
- Often are issued over years or decades.
- Includes critical apparatus:
- Describes the documentation of variants and designates as editorial whatever is added to the sources.
Collected Works editions differ from "performing" or "practical" editions in the following ways:
- The ‘practical’ or ‘performance’ editions usually are produced from unstated or secondary sources.
- They may incorporate additions or changes designed to help the modern performer.
For more detailed information see:
