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Published scores and librettos constitute a major portion of the Music Division's general collections. This page describes how to search for published Bernstein scores, as well as librettos significant to Bernstein's theatrical collaborations.
The Music Division holds millions of published scores ranging from first editions to modern editions and published facsimiles. Researchers can search and browse the Library of Congress Online Catalog to find bibliographic information about printed scores in the collections.
Also note that the Library of Congress Online Catalog does not reflect complete holdings for the Music Division. Contact a reference librarian via Ask A Librarian to ask about a specific score you cannot locate, or to learn about what scores may not be represented (or easily found) in our online catalog or digitized holdings.
TIP: To limit your search results to scores and/or literature in the Music Division's collections, be sure to "Add Limits" beneath your search terms in the Advanced Search mode. Under "Location in the Library," select "Performing Arts" from the drop-down menu. This action will limit your search results to material in the custody of the Music Division. For a composer as popular as Bernstein, eliminating sound recordings from your search may prove essential.
To explore a listing of Bernstein's published music, see the "Works" database on the Leonard Bernstein Office website:
Alternatively, the following books include Bernstein works lists. Titles link to fuller bibliographic information in the Library of Congress Online Catalog. Links to additional online content are included when available.
Bernstein made significant contributions to the stage with his works for musical theater and opera. Though Bernstein did not write the books for his stage works, consulting librettos alongside his music may prove valuable to your research. Specific librettos are highlighted below, with either links to fuller bibliographic information in the Library of Congress Online Catalog or citations for items not available in the online catalog. Links to additional online content are included when available. For more information about listed librettos that do not link to the online catalog, contact a reference librarian via Ask a Librarian.
Some sound recordings may feature the libretto for a theater work alongside program notes in a slipcase. Below are examples of recordings that are accompanied by such librettos in print. Inquire with the Recorded Sound Research Center about these materials.
Titles link to fuller bibliographic information in the Library of Congress Online Catalog. Links to additional online content are included when available.