About this edition
Composed in 1806 between the heroic grandeur of the Third and the fate-driven Fifth, Beethoven's Symphony No. 4 in B-flat Major occupies a singular place in the symphonic canon. Robert Schumann famously described it as "a slender Greek maiden between two Norse giants," capturing its lyrical poise, rhythmic wit, and luminous orchestration. From its mysterious slow introduction to the effervescent finale with its perpetual-motion strings, the Fourth reveals Beethoven at his most graceful and inventive — a work cherished by conductors for its transparency of texture and demanding technical clarity.
This score reproduces the historic Breitkopf und Härtel edition, prepared as part of the landmark Ludwig van Beethovens Werke, Serie 1: Symphonien — the first complete critical collected edition of Beethoven's works, issued in Leipzig beginning in 1862 (Plate B.4.), with this reprint dating from approximately 1920 (Plate Part.B. 8.). For more than a century, the Breitkopf Gesamtausgabe has served as a foundational reference for performers, scholars, and editors alike, prized for its careful engraving, generous staff layout, and faithful presentation of Beethoven's instrumentation. It remains one of the most widely consulted historical editions of the symphonies.
About this edition:
- Full orchestral score (conductor's score with all instrumental parts in score order)
- Page size: 8.5 x 11 inches — a practical study and rehearsal format
- Reproduced from a public domain historical source
- Carefully prepared and printed by Purple 4R Publishing
- Ideal for conductors, orchestral musicians, students, and scholars of the classical-romantic repertoire
This edition makes a treasured historical printing of Beethoven's Fourth available once again to today's musicians and scholars. We're delighted to bring this public domain score back into circulation — beautifully printed and ready for the podium, the music stand, or the study shelf.
