The Music Library collects sets of complete works by individual composers. These are collected in addition to the individual works or themed collections in the circulating collection. Complete works editions published as such are shelved in class REFM M3s, alphabetically by composer. In a few cases, composers’ collected works are part of historical series, anthologies, or monuments of music (Denkmäler). These are shelved in class REFM M2s, arranged by regional focus.
The intent of each complete works edition is usually publication of all of a composer’s works, but not all editions are truly complete. Some were never completed by the publisher, and some are in progress. Some sets include facsimiles or extensive annotations, or even a separate series dedicated to critical commentary and editorial notes. Others are simply collections without explanatory material. It is very important to consider time of publication, faithfulness to a composer’s manuscript, editorial reputability, accompanying notes, and publisher when evaluating which edition suits your purposes.
How are complete works in REFM M3 organized?
The arrangement of volumes varies by edition, even for the same composer. They can be chronological or thematic, and can be published out of sequence. Some editions have published indexes shelved with the sets. Some recent publications such as the Neue Bach-Ausgabe offer an online index through publishers’ websites.
How can I find a specific work? Individual works within a complete works edition in REFM M3 are not usually listed in the Libraries’ Catalog record. If you can’t tell from looking at the contents in the record, you will need to consult the set’s index, the composer’s thematic catalog, or other index or source in order to find out which volume the work is in. The indexes by Heyer and Hill located in the Music Reference section can be used to find individual works within complete works sets and historical series. If you are browsing the shelves, sometimes titles of individual works are printed on the spines.
Can I check them out?
The complete works editions in Reference Scores (REFM M2s and M3s) do not circulate. In many cases the library has a different, circulating edition for performance or study, or can assist with interlibrary loan of a circulating edition. Please ask a librarian if you have any questions.
Composers with complete works editions online
Charles, Sydney Robinson, et. al. The New Grove and Grove Music Online entries, “Editions, historical,” contain listing of composers with complete works, and other collected editions.
Sampsel, Laurie J. “Indexes to Music in Complete Works Editions, Musical Monuments, Historical Series, and Anthologies.” In Music Research: A Handbook, 82-96. New York: Oxford University Press, 2009.
