For the present Urtext edition of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 2, the editor also consulted certain sources and authentic new variants for the first time; among them are the nonet arrangement made by Beethoven’s pupil Ferdinand Ries in 1807, thus with authentic variants. Thanks to his vast knowledge, the editor has uncovered a number of errors and contradictions in the sources.

The basic differences with respect to other editions chiefly concern the articulation and dynamics in movements 1, 2 and 4. They can easily be found in the Critical Commentary of the conducting score.

“Words are not enough to praise this exemplary edition, resulting from many years of systematic editorial work on the sources. Breitkopf’s source-critical, practice-oriented edition by Clive Brown and Peter Hauschild will provide valuable new impulses in the interpretation of Beethoven’s music.” (Kurt Masur, 2006)