Max Unger (musicologist)

Max Unger (1871-1959) was a German musicologist and archivist, best known for his extensive research on Ludwig van Beethoven, particularly Beethoven's letters and sketches.

Unger was born in Kamenz, Saxony. He studied musicology, history, and German literature at the University of Leipzig under Hugo Riemann, among others, receiving his doctorate in 1896.

He dedicated a significant portion of his career to the study of Beethoven. Unger unearthed and cataloged numerous Beethoven autographs, letters, and other documents, contributing substantially to our understanding of the composer's creative process and life. He published extensively on Beethoven, including editions of Beethoven's letters and studies of specific works.

Unger's major publications include:

• Ludwig van Beethoven's Leben und Werk im Urtext (1923)
• Beethoven's Handschrift (1926)
• Numerous editions of Beethoven's letters, often focusing on specific periods or recipients.

His work remains a valuable resource for Beethoven scholars. Unger's meticulous archival work and scholarly publications have significantly contributed to the field of Beethoven studies.