Use: Locate specific works published in large sets and series.
Coverage: International in coverage. No indication given for earliest entry. Exclusions include non- numbered sets, single works divided because of length, and sets superseded by a later, more authoritative edition.
Four main divisions:
I- Monuments: sets of music by several composers; limited number of performance editions.
II- Complete Works: single composer in more than one volume.
III- Monographs: series which, wholly or chiefly, issue volumes on a single subject by a single author.
IV- Periodicals: general music coverage with a scholarly approach.
Index includes composers and editions named in body of the book, titles of sets, societies, organizations and other institutions.
Pros: Sections are clear and material is grouped appropriately.Includes reprints as well as original series.
Cons: Now badly outdated.
Heyer, Anna Harriet. Historical Sets, collected Editions, and Monuments of Music: A Guide to Their Contents, 3d ed., 2 vols. Chicago: American Library Association, 1980. Mus Ref ML 113 .H52 1980 (desk)
Uses: Find information regarding "major collections of music that have been published or are in the process of being published."
Coverage: International, pre 1980. "Major collections" is defined as "collections, anthologies, or monumental sets of music considered by the author to have historical value, musical worth, reliable editing, or significance to musical research."
Organization: Introduction and explanatory notes. Alphabetical listings, mixing collections titles and composer listings/ lists of works by a composer. Bibliographic and content listings for each reference. Volume 2 is a comprehensive index.
Pros: Expansive work.
Cons: No basis or justification, however, for inclusion or exclusion of a collection other than the author's personal bias.
Hill, George R., and Norris L. Stephens. Collected Editions, Historical Series & Sets & Monuments of Music: A Bibliography. Fallen Leaf Reference Books in Music, 14. Berkeley, Calif.: Fallen Leaf Press, 1997. Mus Ref ML 113 .H55 1997
Uses: Identify bibliographies of collected sets. Useful for scholarly research of period music.
Coverage: Current to 1995. Covers music in collections or sets.
Organization: Entries are by composer, as are sets. Cross references within the entry are noted. Entries have complete bibliographies. Major composers have extended series listings. Each entry shows what is contained in that catalog. Works are listed only by the first composer in the collection. This is a serious defect making the source less useful. Also contains a list of catalogs cited and their publishers.
Cons: Not comprehensive, only contains half of potential music, no index for specific pieces.