This subject covers the history, philosophy, theory and practice of music, with an emphasis on Western classical traditions and English language material. However, the Library has recently expanded its collecting to represent non-Western cultures as well. Biographical works, printed music, analytical and historical studies, sound recordings and video performances on DVD are collected at a level to support advanced study, with an increasing focus on popular musical forms such as rock music. Digital resources are also sought to complement the print and audio-visual collections.
Although the history of music and its development in Victoria is of paramount importance, an effort is made to collect general Australian material, including all substantial books and magazines relating to music, recordings of Australian compositions, notable performances by Australian musicians, and Australian printed music. Recordings are sought of music written or performed either in Australia, or by an Australian, in all genres (opera, instrumental music, choral music, folk music, rock/pop, jazz and the soundtracks of major Australian and overseas films).
Collecting in this area covers a variety of genres such as jazz and rock, musical comedy, folk music, popular songs of the 19th and 20th centuries, and music for film and television. The Library collects sound recordings of local and overseas musicians, and is acquiring locally produced CDs of both established and up-and-coming Australian music groups and solo performers, with a particular emphasis on Victorian independent musicians. Within the broad range of popular music, collecting rock music is emphasised. The Library will continue to build on its strong collection of popular sheet music. A selection of specialist journals from Australia and overseas is acquired to support these collections. Biographies of pop, rock and jazz musicians are collected, as well as historical and analytical works across all genres.
The Library has a strong collection of printed music, books, journals, sound recordings and video performances of opera, and this continues to be developed at a level suitable for advanced study.
Strengths in piano–vocal scores, collected editions and recordings are maintained to ensure the development of a balanced collection relating to opera of all periods and styles. Biographical, historical and analytical works are acquired as well as selected specialist journal titles.
This is a broad collection covering criticism and interpretation of instrumental works, with strengths in instruments such as the organ and guitar. Collecting in this area is being expanded to cover a wider range of instruments, including greater emphasis on keyboard instruments. Study scores and recordings of symphonic and other orchestral works are selectively acquired with the aim of covering all major composers, schools and periods.
Multiple interpretations of works are collected to chart developments where the style of performance has changed dramatically, such as in the use of original instruments for pre-20th century music. Sound recordings are acquired on CD whenever possible. The collection focuses on broad coverage of movements, composers, styles and genres. The Library provides equipment for new formats, and maintains facilities for the old, where appropriate. Developments in new formats and technologies are monitored with a view to seeking improved quality of reproduction and stability.
