The search for a composer's archives can be time-consuming because archival materials could be scattered across multiple libraries, museums, and private collections. Below are suggestions to help you focus your search:
OAC provides free public access to detailed descriptions of primary resource collections maintained by more than 200 contributing institutions including libraries, special collections, archives, historical societies, and museums throughout California.
Collected works volumes
The accompanying notes or separate Revisionsbericht associated with each volume provides details which document the composer's intentions regarding a specific musical work. Reference may be made to a significant primary source.
Composer's letters
The Music Library acquires selectively published collections of letters by composers. Search the composer's name as a SUBJECT in the online catalog. Limit your search by the SUBJECT WORD "correspondence". If there is an index in the volume there may be a separate section under "works" OR there may be a separate index for musical works.
Manuscripts and early editions:
Information:
A research guide, if one has been published for the composer you have chosen, may provide helpful information and give you direction.
The thematic catalog for the composer you have selected also may give you information about extant manuscripts and early editions.
The composer's works list in the Grove Music Online may also give you information about extant manuscripts.
Music manuscript facsimiles:
The Music Library has a strong collection of music manuscript facsimiles. Most begin with the Dickinson call no "04". Check the Vassar Library-Search Catalog and the Music Library card catalog for a full listing.
Digital facsimiles of music manuscripts have been created by libraries throughout the world. Many have been collected in DIGITIZED MUSICAL SCORES AVAILABLE ON THE INTERNET under the "Manuscripts" tab at the left.
Some important collections:
Music Treasures Consortium allows for searching of multiple, but not all, collections.
RISM Online "The Répertoire International des Sources Musicales (RISM) - International Inventory of Musical Sources - is an international, non-profit organization that aims to comprehensively document extant musical sources worldwide: manuscripts, printed music editions, writings on music theory, and libretti that are found in libraries, archives, churches, schools, and private collections." This can also be used to search for incipits. Permalinks provided.
