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