Urtext

As the original text refers to the original version of a text or of a larger work, especially from antiquity or the early civilizations. When translating the original text referred to the text in the source language. The name is just as original shunned by most text Sciences today and replaced by more precise terms: archetype, Autograph (...) Above all, it has had to abandon the idea authorized, authentic original texts of early cultural periods. Prior to the development of the modern concept of author no texts were produced, which were considered immutable, finished works.

From the author self-made or controlled writings ( autographs ) are from earlier centuries only extremely rarely preserved. The reconstruction of primitive versions of later copies is the task of textual criticism. The sobering realization has wrought, that the reconstruction to the actual original versions (Author versions ) usually can not go back.

The search for original texts has historically first in culturally canonical texts ( Homer, Alexandrian school) and the cult -sanctioned writings of the great religions of the book develops (eg Masoretic text of the Tanakh ). It is up to today in religious scriptures important because the idea of ​​divine revelation and the unassailable establishment of beliefs and religious precepts to concrete especially here in the auratized idea of ​​"real" texts. From the accuracy and authenticity of texts and text versions are derived for faith communities, some consequences for the faith or for historical cross-links (see eg Lukan date). Profane texts ( history, poetry) with respect to the early times, however, new concept models have emerged during the 20th century, the question one an original, but after the functional variance and variability of versions ( eg New Philology ).

For translations, the question of meaning and spoke faithful transmission in today's languages ​​is an issue in which a co-operation between archaeological and cultural-historical subjects and language researchers is essential.

Urtext edition as a technical term of the scores

In terms of musical works, the term is generally used for expenditures that have been remade according to the sources. In what has been a text- critical or even play practical processing, it is sometimes not apparent. Today, this leads frequently to the requirement not to apply the concept of the original text in terms of editions of musical works. Instead, the often formulated requirement, the concept of critical edition should be preferred. Some leading publishers who introduce the term of the original text even today, as Henle or Wiener Urtext give, but a detailed account of the editorial decisions and their relation to the related sources. In some single issues but no critical apparatus is given, so that this must be obtained from the respective total output or via the website of the respective publisher.

The term of the original text in connection with editions of musical works is controversial. Critics argue, with original text is a binding for all readers version found. In fact, it is difficult in many cases, if not impossible, to formulate editorial decisions generally valid.

First of all, the source material and especially the evaluation of the sources is an important starting point for the development of credible highly musical text. Even on this issue, it can lead to different assessments. If the first edition credible than the autograph? Or does the publisher the score corrupted? If the pressure is a revised and -guaranteed by the composer in an authoritative way text? In such matters background information is often helpful. These give insights into the creation or development process of a composer.

Even these questions that relate to the starting point of an editorial work, shows that it can lead to different, often subjectively colored answers. Therefore, critics prefer the term " critical edition ". This term characterizes the more scientifically sound method to create from the source material often komplexten a binding text as possible solution.

It is obvious that the editorial, and critical process the documentation required. Only the complete representation of the decisions, procedures, and the solution allows the reader detailed insight into the text-related work.

Nevertheless, the term original text has established itself in Germany and is often understood as easily recognizable attribute. In practice, therefore, should be a distinction between the two terms is of little relevance.

Urtext as a concept in international law

With regard to international treaties, the original name is in use.