Locating Primary Sources of Music (Scores & Parts)  Tags: music primary_sources  

Music manuscripts and early printed editions of music are primary sources and are invaluable to the musical scholar. However, identifying, locating, and using primary sources can be a complex process. Facsimiles or modern critical editions of the works you are studying may also be of use. This guide serves as an introduction to the basics of research into musical sources. All materials are located in the Music and Performing Arts Library unless otherwise indicated.

Reference assistance is available by inquiring at the Reference desk. You can also e-mail subject librarian Kirstin Dougan (dougan (at) illinois (dot) edu) or call 1-217-333-7095.

The article on "Sources" in the New Grove Dictionary serves as a very helpful introduction to anyone studying music sources.

The new Grove dictionary of music and musicians, 2nd ed. New York: Grove's Dictionaries of Music, 2001.

• CALL NUMBER: ML100 G76N38 2001 (Ready Reference) (vols. 23 and 24, or search these headings in the online version)

• ONLINE: Available through the ORR as part of Oxford Music Online (access limited to UIUC students/faculty/staff, and to patrons in the libraries).

"Sources, MS," (vol. 23)

I. Introduction
II. Western plainchant
III. Secular monophony
IV. Organum and discant
V. Early motet
VI. English polyphony 1270-1400
VII. French polyphony 1300-1420
VIII. Italian polyphony c1325-c1420
IX. Renaissance polyphony

"Sources of instrumental ensemble music to 1630", (vol. 24)

"Sources of keyboard music to 1660," (vol. 24)

"Sources of lute music," (vol. 24)