How do I search for classical music (using uniform titles)?

Because the exact wording of a composition title may vary on different covers of published scores, musical recordings, and musical videotapes, it can be helpful to use a uniform title when searching. There are three types of uniform titles:

• Distinctive titles – the original, unique title in the composer’s native language (e.g The Magic Flute’s uniform title is Die Zauberflote)
• Form or genre titles – the work’s musical form is the title (e.g. Concertos, Piano, Orchestra, No. 5, Op. 73, Eb Major)
• Collective titles – “works” will retrieve all of a composer’s work; it’s also possible to retrieve only works within a category (e.g. piano works).

The best way to employ a uniform title is to conduct an advanced search (look for the link in the lower right hand corner of the library search box)

1. Select “author/creator” instead of “any field” from the drop-down menu, and enter the composer’s name.
2. Move to the second line and enter the uniform title for “any field”.
3. If desired, choose “audio visual” or “scores” from the Material Type drop-down menu to further narrow the search.