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Stay up to date with the latest projects and publications at Breitkopf & Härtel, as well as the people behind them.
A Musicological Sensation
The attribution of two previously unknown organ works to the young Johann Sebastian Bach represents nothing less than a musicological—and above all, musical—sensation. After more than thirty years of intensive research, the editor Prof. Dr. Dr. Peter Wollny has been able to demonstrate beyond any doubt that the young Johann Sebastian Bach is the author of both works.
On the Occasion of Helmut Lachenmann’s 90th Birthday
On 27 November 2025, Helmut Lachenmann, one of the most influential composers of our time, celebrates his 90th birthday.
Gustav Mahler
Symphony No. 5
Textcritical Edition edited by Nick Pfefferkorn and Christian Rudolf Riedel
It has aroused passionate reactions ever since its premiere. To this day, Mahler's Fifth remains hard work for performers and listeners alike, as in addition to being an (almost) unsolvable problem for editors. No other symphony has been so often and so fundamentally altered by Mahler, and none has been so thoroughly re-orchestrated by him, the last time in February 1911.
No other symphony has Mahler changed so much and so often, no other has he re-orchestrated so fundamentally, for the last time in February 1911. The result: an extremely complex source situation, and a problematic one at the same time. With analytical acumen, it has been possible to shed new light on the gaps in the transmission and to free the musical text from misunderstandings and misinterpretations. This makes an audible difference and enables editorial decisions to be understood transparently. Above all, however, it is the first text-critical edition that also consistently focusses on performance practice.
It was produced in close collaboration with experienced conductors and musicians and is distinguished by its optimal readability and practicability.
Key Advantages at a Glance
- – All Mahler symphonies published for the first time by a single publisher
- – Consistent editorial principles in both form and content
- – Generous format (27 × 36 cm) with optimal staff size (7.5 mm)
- – Modern engraving ensuring excellent readability and clarity
- – Ample space in the parts for annotations
- – Optimised practicality: carefully planned page turns, clear orientation, ideal spacing between systems
- – Correction of all errors and inconsistencies found in the previous Critical Complete Edition
- – Transparent documentation of all deviations in the revision report
- – Practical notes on performance-related particularities
Our Programme
at a Glance
Our publishing programme brings together a broad spectrum of music literature – ranging from major orchestral works and chamber music to contemporary music, music education, choral music, musicology, and works for the stage.
