Urtext editions are critical editions of musical scores that aim to present the original text as closely as possible to what the composer intended. These editions often rely on the earliest available manuscripts and sources, minimizing editorial changes and interpretations. The goal of an urtext edition is to provide performers with a clear and authentic representation of the work, allowing them to interpret the music without the influence of later alterations or annotations. This approach is particularly valued in classical music, where composers like Ludwig van Beethoven and Johann Sebastian Bach have had their works extensively edited over time.