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MUSIC 212: History of Western Music 2

Task #1

Complete the following task, using the tips below. Answer the survey question to let us know how it went!

Find a score of the work you'll discuss in your paper. Make sure to investigate the publisher or editor to make sure you're looking at a reliable score, and one that represents the original piece, rather than a later excerpt or arrangement.

Finding Scores in Search@UW

The UWM Library owns tens of thousands of scores, and can also get you access to scores from other libraries in the UW system, and all over the world. Search@UW is an engine that searches the holdings of the UWM Library, and other UW system libraries we can borrow from. To pick up a score in our collection, choose "Local Request." If it's available elsewhere in the system, you'll see "UW Request," and you'll be able to pick it up at the UWM library. You'll also find some "open access" scores that are available freely online.

Tips for finding scores in Search@UW:

1. Make sure to spell the composer's name correctly. If there are multiple spellings, find one record and look at the the form of the composer's name used there. Try the search again with that spelling.

2. Use the "Scores" resource type option to limit your results to only scores.

3. If you don't have a specific work in mind, try adding instrumentation or genres you're interested in into the search. Keep the terms simple: mozart flute is better than flute music by mozart

4. When you see different "versions" of one work, the link may include both scores and recordings. Click on an item to get a more detailed list.

5. Look at the description of the score format to find out if the item we have is a regular score, a small study score, or if it includes parts. For research purposes, you'll probably want a study score or full score rather than a set of parts.

Online Score Resources

Remember, not all scores of the same work are created equal. When you find free scores online, consider:

  • who the publisher or editor is. Do a quick search to see what their qualifications or reputation are. 
  • who the audience is. Is this meant for study or perfomance? If it's for performance, have notes or instructions been added by the editor?
  • what the music is. Is this the original version, or an arrangement or transcription?