The origin of this concert aria, which is a core piece in the singer’s repertoire, is swathed in mystery. We still do not know where Beethoven found the text for the aria. The text for the recitative was taken from Pietro Metastasio’s “Achille in Sciro”, but there it was not followed by an aria. It is also not clear why Beethoven only published the piece nine years after writing it. The Critical Commentary at the end of this single edition from HN 970 gives detailed information on the source situation and all aspects of our edition of this dramatic masterpiece. Breitkopf & Härtel are publishing the performing material.