As an example, look for orchestral works composed by American composer and pianist Henry Cowell (1897-1965).

• In our online catalog's Advanced Search mode, type his name into the empty text bar as "Cowell, Henry" or "Henry Cowell" - the same results will appear both ways.
• In the dropdown menu after the word "within," select "Name: Personal (KPNC)."

This search option will narrow results to items with him as the author or composer.

• If you are interested only in Music Division holdings - musical scores, biographies, and autobiographies - click the "Add Limits" button. Under "Location in the Library," select Performing Arts.

Then, hit "Search."

Search results for Henry Cowell relevant to orchestra conductors will include a variety of materials available in the Music Division, including:

• A published edition from 1965 of Air and scherzo for alto saxophone and small orchestra arranged for saxophone and piano
• A manuscript in the composer's hand of Symphony no. 12 from the 1950s
• A published miniature score from 1961 of Ensemble: for string orchestra

The Music Division's holdings in the online catalog best reflect items received after 1980. For composers active prior to 1980 like Henry Cowell, the Performing Arts Reading Room card catalog is especially helpful. Send Music Reference Specialists a message through Ask a Librarian for assistance with our card catalog entries.

If you have particular instrumentation in mind, you can search the LC Online Catalog in Browse Mode by call number class.

For example, works for orchestra and chamber orchestra are classified in the call number range M1000-M1075. Works for string orchestra are in the call number range M1100-M1160.

• Go to our online catalog's Browse mode
• In the left-hand dropdown menu, select "CALL NUMBERS (LC Class No.)"
• In the right-hand text box, type a call number class

Examples of call number classes to try include:

• M1001 - Symphonies for full orchestra and chamber orchestra
  • Sample result: Symphony of Colors by Tan Dun (M1001.T16 S96 2017)
• M1002 - Symphonic poems for full orchestra and chamber orchestra
  • Sample result: Prélude à "l'Après-midi d'un faune" by Claude Debussy (M1002.D28 A5)
• M1004 - Overtures for full orchestra and chamber orchestra
  • Sample result: With the Heather and Small Birds by Hilary Tann (M1004.T17 W58 1994)
• M1010 - Piano concertos with full orchestra and chamber orchestra
  • Sample result: Concerto for piano and orchestra, op. 7 in A minor by Clara Schumann (M1010 .S418 op. 7 1987)
• M1101 - Symphonies for string orchestra
  • Sample result: Sinfonietta per archi by Krzysztof Penderecki (M1101.P46 S56 1991)
• M1132 - Concertos for trombone or bass trombone and string orchestra
  • Sample result: Concerto for bass trombone, strings, timpani, and cymbals by Ellen Taaffe Zwilich (M1132 .Z85 1993)

For more information about searching by call numbers, Ask a Librarian or consult the Class M outline [PDF, 717 KB].