Music/Drama Library
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Scores & Recordings: Quick Search
Instructions
Table of Contents
Most of UConn's scores are listed in HOMER,
the library catalog. Below are two effective searches for finding music.
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Note: when searching for music, it is best to AVOID the
Author and Title searches.
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Option 1: Keyword Search
Good for mixing terms or trying various word forms. Good for songs
or works with distinctive titles. Not as good for generic form titles
(e.g., sonatas). Instructions:
1. In HOMER, select the Keyword search.
2. Enter any words from the composer, title, publisher, etc. Type "and"
between words.
Example:
mozart figaro (searches for the composer and the title keyword)
3. A question mark (?) finds word variants: sonat? finds sonata,
sonatas, sonatina, etc.
Example:
weber clarinet concerto? (finds concerto or concertos)
4. Use the Limit To menu to select Music Score, Musical
Recording, or Videorecording.
5. Many works are part of a larger set (e.g., a sonata published in
a collection of the composer's complete sonatas, an aria inside an opera,
etc.). Try omitting opus numbers, keys, or individual songs/movements
in case your work was published as part of a larger set. Instead search
the broader terms (e.g., composer, genre, and instrument).
Example:
beethoven piano sonata?
(finds a collection of piano sonatas rather than the one "Moonlight
Sonata")
Example:
verdi adieu
(finds
a single aria in a collection of excerpts, but keep reading . . . )
Example:
traviata verdi [notice how word order does NOT matter]
(finds
the opera, La Traviata, which includes the single aria, "Adieu
Fond Dreams")
6. For audio or video recordings, you can add mcd (music compact
disc), lp, dvd, or vhs.
Example:
verdi traviata mcd (finds just CDs of Verdi's Traviata).
Here is more information about the more advanced Keyword
Boolean searching (PDF guide with illustrations). Keyword
Boolean allows you to use the operators AND, OR, NOT, plus parentheses,
to create more sophisticated keyword searches. It can be very
handy!
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Option 2: Prolific Author/Composer Search
Good for "form" titles (such as sonatas or symphonies) or
musical works that have many titles or versions (such as operas . .
. for example, Magic Flute vs. Zauberflaute). Instructions:
1. In HOMER, select the Prolific Author/Composer search.
2. Type composer's last name. Can add first initial or name. Example:
verdi g
3. Limits do not work with this search.
4. Browse resulting alphabetical works list.
TIP 1: Click the "See Also" buttons to find alternative
titles of the work.
Note: if HOMER says "0" (or zero) titles, it simply means
"no items are listed under this title; try the alternate
title instead." (That's when you click on "See Also.")
"0" titles means "no items under this title; use the
alternative title instead."
TIP 2: Browse various titles. Your work could be listed under
a
single
movement, aria, or song;
complete
work (e.g., an opera or song cycle);
collection
by genre (e.g., set of sonatas);
collection
by instrument (e.g., set of piano music); or
under
"works" (implying a composer's complete output).
TIP 3: Jump to the title you want in the results list!
1. In the list, highlight and copy the composer's name, dates, and
any work.
2. Do a new Prolific Author/Composer search.
3. Paste in copied info.
Example:
Beethoven, Ludwig van, 1770-1827. Alleg
4. Replace the work with the first letters of the work you want.
Example:
Beethoven, Ludwig van, 1770-1827. sym[phonies]
Here is more information about Prolific
Author/Composer searching (PDF guide with illustrations).
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Option 3: Call Number Search
Recordings (e.g., MCD, LP, MVT, etc.)
Enter the first element (e.g., MCD, LP, MVT), followed by first letter(s)
denoting composer or collection. Do not enter any of the remaining numbers.
Example: mcd m
(finds a call number list of compact discs starting at "m" [Mahler,
Mendelssohn, etc.])
Example: lp jz
(finds a call number list of jazz LPs)
Warning: if you type the entire call number for a recording, you
will get to the wrong place.
Scores
Enter the call number with or without spaces or punctuation. Exceptions:
for opus, thematic catalog, or work numbers, leave a space before the
abbreviation, and use a period after abbreviation.
Example: m1001 p96 op.25 (can be shortened, e.g., m1001 p)
(finds Prokofiev's Symphony No. 1 in D Major, Op. 25 ("Classical"),
plus other Prokoviev symphonies shelved nearby)
Here is more information about Call
Number searching (PDF guide with illustrations).
Here is an explanation of How
to Read AV Call Numbers.
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Detailed Search Guides
For more information, consult the search guides below.
More information:
Find scores in sets or anthologies,
in other libraries, or on the web.
You may be able to find recordings online using Naxos
Music Library or Digital Audio Reserve.
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This page was found at http://www.lib.uconn.edu/music/music_quicksearch.html
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