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Early American Sacred Music at the Library of Congress

Using the LC Classification System

When searching the LIbrary of Congress Online Catalog for information about early American sacred music, a general understanding of the M Classification system (the method by which call numbers are assigned to collection items) can be helpful. Although printed music in the Library of Congress collection is usually classed according to the performing forces involved (e.g. string quartet, voice and piano, etc.) there are certain call numbers that specify sacred music and a smaller number distinguish music published in the United States during a particular time period. Similarly, books about music are classified according to their general subject matter, but there are a few call numbers that specify music written or published in the United States during a particular time period.

Below is a list of selected call numbers that highlight some of the instances in which sacred music published in the United States before the twentieth century has been classed together. In addition, books about some religious denominations and sacred music traditions that originated in the United States and other areas of topical interest have been included. General non-music call numbers in the BV class, which deal with the study and composition of hymn texts can be found at the top of the list.

Try browsing the Library of Congress Online Catalog by CALL NUMBERS (LC Class No.) to find related items (some example browses are included below).

BV - Practical Theology

Example browse: CALL NUMBERS (LC Class No.): BV301

  • BV301-530 - Hymnology (General, primarily regarding hymn texts and their composition)
  • BV360-465 - Denominational and special types of hymnbooks in English
  • BV467-510 - Hymns in languages other than English

ML - Books about Music

Librettos

Example browse: CALL NUMBERS (LC Class No.): ML50.6

  • ML50.6 - Librettos for Operas (including sacred operas) - U.S. Imprints before 1850
  • ML52.6 - Librettos for Ballets, Masques, Pantomimes, etc. - U.S. Imprints before 1850
  • ML53.6 - Librettos for Oratorios - U.S. Imprints before 1850.

History and Criticism

Example browse: CALL NUMBERS (LC Class No.): ML3187

  • ML200 - General works - United States
  • ML200.2 - United States (through 1700)
  • ML200.3 - United States (1701-1800)
  • ML200.4 - United States (1801-1900)
  • ML2911 - ML2911.9 - Sacred Music in the United States
  • ML3174 - Mormon. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
  • ML3178.C55 - Church of Jesus Christ, Scientist. Christian Science
  • ML3178.S5 - Shakers
  • ML3186.8 - African-American gospel music. Periodicals. Serials. Societies.
  • ML3187 - African-American gospel music. General Works.
  • ML3556 - African-American music (including spirituals)

M - Printed Music

General

Example browse: CALL NUMBERS (LC Class No.): M1.A1

  • M1.A1 - Music printed in the United States before 1820
  • M1.A11 - Collections of sheet music bound into volumes by the original owners. United States. (1820-1860)
  • M1.A12 - Sheet music submitted for copyright deposit in the United States (1820-1860)

Hymnals

Example browse: CALL NUMBERS (LC Class No.): M2116

  • M2116 - Published in the United States through 1820
  • M2117- Published in the United States 1821-. General Works in English.
  • M2119-M2131 - Published in the United States 1821-. Organized by Denomination.
  • M2132 - Published in the United States 1821-. Organized by Language other than English.