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This page describes reference resources, both online and print, that offer access to basic information and quick facts concerning music for silent film.
These online resources provide access to information on the history of silent film as well as access to other digital collections of music and instruction manuals used in silent film accompaniment.
The database represents the first comprehensive survey of the survival of American silent feature films. It contains information on the nearly 11,000 U.S. feature films released between 1912-1929, and holdings information about 3,300 of those titles for which elements are known to exist. The American Film Institute Catalog of Feature Films documents 10,921 silent feature films of American origin released through 1930. Treasures from the Film Archives, published by the International Federation of Film Archives (FIAF), is the primary source of information regarding silent film survival in the archival community. The FIAF information has been enhanced by information from corporations, libraries and private collectors.
For access to this collection, either visit or contact the Moving Image Reference Center at (202) 707-8572.
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The following titles offer a representative sample and link to fuller bibliographic information in the Library of Congress Online Catalog. Links to additional online content are included when available.
Research on music for silent film has continued to receive robust attention. The following titles offer a representative sample and link to fuller bibliographic information in the Library of Congress Online Catalog. Links to additional online content are included when available.
The following dissertations provide a wealth of information on the history, development, and influence of music for silent film. Many of these dissertations can be accessed through online databases. Links to databases are provided at the bottom of this page.