What's the difference between different publisher's urtexts?

[Bob]

I also heard "Henle Urtext" so I started thinking they were the same idea, urtext. 

But there are other urtext editions right?  Is it just a matter of different publisher's taking the original handwritten score and transferring that to printed music notation?  That's urtext?  Throw in some academic work to make sure the notes are what the composer intended to write, no more no less?  And even that can be shakey, like Scarlatti music had. 

Somewhere I heard another publisher's urtext edition.  I think.  It sounded odd because I always hear Henle Urtext.  And how I'm always supposed to get urtext.  But then the profs say to get certain editions too, and not always urtext.  Just makes me wonder.  And get more confusified.

[pianistimo]

(puts on bernhard hat) - ehemmm.  ok.  this is how i understand it...the composer gets to pick the publisher *unless he dies - then the best student or family member or great friend composer does.  if he's poor - he picks several publishers so he can make a killing on three instead of one.  maybe one in each of three countries.  he sends them nasty letters if they make any mistakes with the publishing and threatens to revoke the 'urtext' idea if they don't make it as precise as another publisher.  perhaps they get printed for free due to mistakes?  just an idea.  then - the students go and say - i don't remember this or that - i prefer 'blah blah' urtext because that is what 'composer name' did.  so you combine this knowledge of first hand students and first hand publishers - and first hand everyone.  it's really a matter of a few notes we're talking about - (although fingering can be the real interest) - and unless you are obsessive-compulsive - you just shut your eyes and pick an urtext based on how many good students you see carrying around the books. 

[pianistimo]

or...pick the most expensive one and figure it must be expensive for a reason.  but, make sure and cover it with that clear plastic stick-on cover stuff.

[Bob]

Good point.  Present day composers only published under one company right?  Or one at a time.  They don't send the same composition to several publishers.  At least I don't think so.

[quantum]

Good point.  Present day composers only published under one company right?  Or one at a time.  They don't send the same composition to several publishers.  At least I don't think so.

So what brought about the change?  In the past, why were multiple publishers used by a composer?

[faulty_damper]

Just to make a correction before anymore misdirection occurs: composers still do have the same works published by different publishers.

[Bob]

Present day composers?

I thought it was that music from the distant past was public domain so many publishers produce it.  Newer stuff is under copyright so the composer sets it up with one publisher.  I really don't know though.  Are there pieces now, from someone living, that are published under several different businesses?

[faulty_damper]

Kapustin