"Send my septet out into the world a little faster - because the rabble is awaiting it". It was thus that Beethoven bade his publisher make haste in 1802. The public did not take offence at this rather derogatory term: Today the Septet op. 20 for Wind and Strings is one of the most popular chamber music works for a larger ensemble, together with Schubert's Octet. Our edition follows the musical text in the Beethoven Complete Edition.