ˈɜːrtekst

Definitions

1. noun

The earliest or most authoritative form of a text or musical work, especially one that has been altered or adapted over time.

“The scholar studied the urtext of Shakespeare’s play to gain insight into its original meaning.”

2. noun

A version of a musical work that returns to the original composer’s manuscript or the earliest printed edition.

“The orchestra performed the urtext of Mozart’s symphony, bringing out its full beauty and complexity.”