When writing about classical music, it’s crucial to cite sources correctly. This ensures that your work is credible and that readers can trace the original sources. The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is widely used for academic writing in the humanities, including music. This article will guide you through the process of citing classical music in MLA format.
I. Understanding MLA Format
The MLA format emphasizes the author-page method of citation. This means that in-text citations include the author’s last name and the page number from which the information was taken. The full citation appears in the Works Cited list at the end of your paper.
II. General Rules for Citing Music
Identify the Source: Determine if the source is a recording, a score, a live performance, or another format.
Elements to Include: For most music sources, include the composer, performer (if applicable), title of the work, title of the recording or collection, publisher or recording company, date of publication, and format.
1. Citing Recorded Music
When citing recorded music, the MLA Handbook recommends including the following elements:
Composer: The person who wrote the music.
Title of the Work: The name of the composition.
Performers: The main performers or the ensemble.
Title of the Recording: The album or collection title.
Publisher or Recording Label: The company that produced the recording.
Year of Release: When the recording was published.
Format: The medium of the recording (e.g., CD, vinyl, streaming).
Example of a Recorded Music Citation:
Beethoven, Ludwig van. Symphony No. 5 in C Minor, Op. 67. Performed by the Berlin Philharmonic, conducted by Herbert von Karajan. Deutsche Grammophon, 1962. CD.
2. Citing Scores
When citing a musical score, include the following elements:
Composer: The person who wrote the music.
Title of the Work: The name of the composition.
Editor or Arranger: If applicable, include the name of the editor or arranger.
Publisher: The company that published the score.
Year of Publication: When the score was published.
Medium: The format of the score (e.g., print, digital).
Example of a Score Citation:
Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus. Requiem in D Minor, K. 626. Edited by Franz Beyer, Breitkopf & Härtel, 1971. Print.
3. Citing Live Performances
When citing a live performance, include the following elements:
Composer: The person who wrote the music.
Title of the Work: The name of the composition.
Performers: The main performers or the ensemble.
Conductor: If applicable, include the name of the conductor.
Event: The name of the event or concert.
Location: Where the performance took place.
Date of Performance: When the performance occurred.
Example of a Live Performance Citation:
Tchaikovsky, Pyotr Ilyich. Swan Lake. Performed by the Royal Ballet, conducted by Valery Gergiev, Royal Opera House, London, 15 July 2022.
4. In-Text Citations
In-text citations for music follow the same basic principles as other MLA citations. Include the composer’s last name and, if applicable, the page number or time stamp.
Example of an In-Text Citation:
(Beethoven 15)
5. Citing Online Music
With the rise of digital music platforms, citing music accessed online has become common. When citing online music, include the following elements:
Composer: The person who wrote the music.
Title of the Work: The name of the composition.
Performers: The main performers or the ensemble.
Title of the Album or Collection: The name of the album or collection.
Publisher or Recording Label: The company that produced the recording.
Year of Release: When the recording was published.
Platform: The name of the website or streaming service.
URL: The web address where the music can be found.
Example of an Online Music Citation:
Bach, Johann Sebastian. Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G Major, BWV 1048. Performed by the Academy of St Martin in the Fields, conducted by Sir Neville Marriner, Decca, 2001. Spotify, www.spotify.com.
6. Citing a Specific Movement or Part
When citing a specific movement or part of a larger work, include the title of the movement or part in addition to the general citation.
Example of a Specific Movement Citation:
Schubert, Franz. Symphony No. 8 in B Minor, D. 759, “Unfinished.” I. Allegro moderato. Performed by the Vienna Philharmonic, conducted by Carlos Kleiber, Deutsche Grammophon, 1980. CD.
7. Citing a Book about Music
When citing a book about music, include the following elements:
Author: The person who wrote the book.
Title: The name of the book.
Publisher: The company that published the book.
Year of Publication: When the book was published.
Pages: The specific pages being cited (if applicable).
Example of a Book Citation:
Taruskin, Richard. Oxford History of Western Music. Oxford University Press, 2005.
8. Citing Articles about Music
When citing an article about music, include the following elements:
Author: The person who wrote the article.
Title of the Article: The name of the article.
Title of the Periodical: The name of the journal, magazine, or newspaper.
Volume and Issue: The volume and issue number (if applicable).
Year of Publication: When the article was published.
Pages: The specific pages being cited.
Database: The name of the database where the article was found (if applicable).
Example of an Article Citation:
Burkholder, J. Peter. “Borrowing in Beethoven: Some Models for the Slow Movement of the Ninth Symphony.” Journal of the American Musicological Society, vol. 45, no. 2, 1992, pp. 231-255.
9. Citing Program Notes
Program notes provide important contextual information about a performance. When citing program notes, include the following elements:
Author: The person who wrote the notes.
Title of the Notes: The name of the notes (if applicable).
Title of the Performance: The name of the performance.
Date of the Performance: When the performance occurred.
Location of the Performance: Where the performance took place.
Example of Program Notes Citation:
Smith, John. Program notes for The Marriage of Figaro, by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, 25 June 2023, Metropolitan Opera House, New York.
10. Citing Liner Notes
Liner notes are found inside the packaging of a physical music recording and provide valuable insights into the music. When citing liner notes, include the following elements:
Author: The person who wrote the notes.
Title of the Notes: The name of the notes (if applicable).
Title of the Recording: The name of the recording.
Publisher or Recording Label: The company that produced the recording.
Year of Release: When the recording was published.
Example of Liner Notes Citation:
Jones, Mark. Liner notes for The Four Seasons, by Antonio Vivaldi, performed by the English Concert, conducted by Trevor Pinnock, Archiv Produktion, 1982.
III. Special Cases in Music Citation
1. Citing a Facsimile Edition
A facsimile edition reproduces an original manuscript or early printed edition. When citing a facsimile edition, include the original publication details as well as information about the facsimile.
Example of a Facsimile Edition Citation:
Bach, Johann Sebastian. The Well-Tempered Clavier, BWV 846-893. Facsimile of the autograph manuscript, edited by Davitt Moroney, Bärenreiter, 1985. Print.
2. Citing a Critical Edition
Critical editions provide scholarly insight and annotations. When citing a critical edition, include information about the editor and the edition.
Example of a Critical Edition Citation:
Beethoven, Ludwig van. Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-sharp Minor, Op. 27, No. 2, “Moonlight”. Edited by Heinrich Schenker, Universal Edition, 1921. Print.
See Also: Classical Music for Kids: A Deep Dive into Timeless Melodies
IV. Conclusion
Citing classical music in MLA format requires attention to detail and adherence to specific guidelines. Whether you are citing recorded music, scores, live performances, or scholarly articles, including all necessary elements ensures your citations are accurate and complete. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can confidently cite classical music sources in your academic writing, contributing to a well-researched and credible paper.
