I-Catalogue Number
I-Catalogue Number: An Overview
The I-Catalogue Number (I-Cat) is a cataloging system employed by the International Music Score Library Project (IMSLP) to uniquely identify musical compositions. IMSLP, also known as the Petrucci Music Library, is a renowned online resource for sheet music, scores, and related information. The I-Catalog system serves as a fallback method for identifying pieces when there is no authoritative catalog system available.
The Role of IMSLP
IMSLP serves as the authority on I-Catalog numbers, although composers are encouraged to develop their own cataloging systems, such as opus numbers. The primary objective of the I-Catalog system is to provide a unique identifier for compositions, particularly in cases where composers do not possess universally recognized catalog systems.
The Structure of I-Catalog Numbers
I-Catalog numbers are assigned in alphabetical order. It is important to note that the assigned numbers do not necessarily follow a chronological sequence. The numbering system aims to be simple, with the sole guarantee that the numbers are unique and remain associated with the corresponding page on IMSLP. As new compositions are added to the website, they are assigned the next available number in the I-Catalog system.
Limitations and Purpose
It is essential to understand that the I-Catalog system is not intended to be musicologically sophisticated or replace well-researched catalog systems. Its primary function on IMSLP is to provide a distinctive identifier for compositions, facilitating organization and searchability on the website.
Criteria for I-Catalog Number Assignment
The specific criteria for adding I-Catalog numbers to compositions on IMSLP are not explicitly mentioned in the available sources. However, it can be inferred that the numbers are assigned by IMSLP administrators or contributors based on the information provided by composers or the existing cataloging systems associated with the compositions.
Comparison with Other Music Score Libraries
It remains unclear whether other music score libraries employ the same I-Catalog numbering system or have their own cataloging systems. The information available suggests that IMSLP’s I-Catalog system is unique to the platform and primarily serves its organizational and identification purposes.
Sources:
- “What is I-Catalogue Number?” – IMSLP Forums. Available at: http://imslpforums.org/viewtopic.php?t=8920
- “I-Catalog Number” – IMSLP Forums. Available at: http://imslpforums.org/viewtopic.php?t=8803
- “Catalog number (music)” – Wikipedia. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catalog_number_(music)
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions about I-Catalogue Numbers
What is an I-Catalogue Number (I-Cat)?
An I-Catalogue Number (I-Cat) is a unique identifier assigned to musical compositions within the International Music Score Library Project (IMSLP). It serves as a cataloging system for organizing and identifying compositions on the IMSLP website.
Who assigns I-Catalogue Numbers?
I-Catalogue Numbers are typically assigned by administrators or contributors of the IMSLP platform. They may assign numbers based on the information provided by composers or existing cataloging systems associated with the compositions.
Can composers use their own cataloging systems instead of I-Catalogue Numbers?
Yes, composers are welcome to use their own cataloging systems, such as opus numbers, in addition to or instead of I-Catalogue Numbers. However, IMSLP serves as the authority for I-Catalogue Numbers within its database.
How are I-Catalogue Numbers structured?
I-Catalogue Numbers are assigned in alphabetical order, but they do not necessarily follow a chronological sequence. The numbering system aims to be simple, ensuring that each number is unique and remains associated with the corresponding composition on IMSLP.
What is the purpose of the I-Catalogue Number system?
The primary purpose of the I-Catalogue Number system is to provide a fallback method for identifying compositions when there is no authoritative catalog system available. It allows for the unique identification and organization of compositions on the IMSLP website.
Are I-Catalogue Numbers intended to replace well-researched catalog systems?
No, the I-Catalogue Number system is not meant to replace comprehensive and well-researched cataloging systems. It is designed to provide a simple and universal identification system for compositions on IMSLP, facilitating organization and searchability on the website.
How are new compositions assigned I-Catalogue Numbers?
Newly added compositions on IMSLP are typically assigned the next available number in the I-Catalogue Number system. This ensures that each composition receives a unique identifier within the database.
Do other music score libraries use the same I-Catalogue Number system?
It is unclear whether other music score libraries employ the same I-Catalogue Number system or have their own cataloging systems. The information available suggests that the I-Catalogue Number system is unique to IMSLP and primarily serves its organizational and identification purposes within the platform.