Classical Music Index

This Index is a starting point for finding printed classical music in our collection. The term “classical music” is not clearly defined; given the extremely broad variety of forms, styles, genres, and historical periods generally perceived as being described by the term “classical music”, it is difficult to list characteristics that can be attributed to all works of this type.

There are three ways in this Index to find works in our printed classical music collection. Any of these three ways may be used either by itself or in conjunction with one or more of the other two:

1. WORD(S) IN TITLE

   Use this when you know any or all of the words in the title of the work that you are looking for.
   This may also be used to find forms of music (e.g. sonatas, sonatinas, suites, requiems, minuets, etc.) instead of “INSTRUMENT(S)”, which finds music written for a particular set of instruments. To find works written in a particular form, do two searches, one using the singular form of the word and one using the plural form of the word.
   Example: To find sonatas, do two searches, one using the word “sonata” and one using the word “sonatas”.

2. COMPOSER

   Use this to find works by a particular composer. Enter the last name of the composer followed the first name of the composer.
   Example: “Brahms, Johannes”

3. INSTRUMENT(S)

   Use this to narrow your search to works written for a particular set of instruments. If the work you are looking for is written for full orchestra, use “WORD(S) IN TITLE” instead to locate it.

Our printed classical music collection contains music in many formats: in book format, in separate parts, in conductor’s score format and in miniature study score format, for example. If this Index is not clear as to the format of a given piece of printed music, contact the Library Reference Desk.

Our extensive collection of vocal and choral music contains works for all different vocal ranges and includes songs, cantatas, chorales, oratorios, requiems, masses, wedding music, folk songs and more. For assistance beyond what this Index provides with finding a specific work or type of vocal music, please do not hesitate to contact the Library Reference Desk.

The Library also has collections of complete works in conductor’s score format for many of the best known classical composers. If this Index does not contain a particular work by a particular classical composer, we may be able to find it for you in one of these collections instead; contact the Library Reference Desk.

We also have a collection of operas in full score and vocal score format, and a collection of opera librettos. To find an opera libretto, search our main Library catalog, and to find an opera in full score or vocal score format, use “WORD(S) IN TITLE” in this Index.

We also have printed music for many other instruments that are not listed in this Index, such as accordions, dulcimers, autoharps, bagpipes, banjos, mandolins and ukuleles. This material can be located by searching our main Library catalog, or, if you would like assistance with finding this material, please contact the Library Reference Desk.