Capitol Records
In 1967, the Capitol Records Company of Los Angeles, California, donated their entire archives of music manuscripts to the Brigham Young University Library. Consisting of original orchestral scores, in many instances parts and occasionally a printed score, the collection fills several hundred cartons. The music in the collection represents the course of their recording endeavors, from their inception in 1942 until shortly before the donation in 1967. This includes songs that Capitol recorded as well as many more that they did not record.
For several years after the collection was received, the staff of the library worked on compiling a computerized index to its contents. A data sheet was compiled on each file of music listing all of the significant information about the scores. Later, when funds were lacking to complete the computerized index, the present index was compiled.
This index fills five volumes and 944 pages, numbered consecutively throughout. The data sheets were arranged in alphabetical order by title and most of the information on each sheet was copied into the present five-volume index. The only information missing from the index is a listing of the scores for orchestral parts and they were omitted simply because to include them would have made the index too large for practical use. A researcher or performer desiring to use the collection must fist ascertain the presence of the title needed by checking this five volume index. To ascertain the existence of scores for orchestral parts for titles listed herein it will be necessary to ask the staff of the Music and Dance Library to check the data sheets in the larger index. The scores are arranged in numerical order, so it will be necessary for the patron to note the number of the score needed before contacting the library.
If pertinent information other than that concerning orchestral part scores is missing from an entry in this condensed index, it is because it was not on the data sheet and probably was not evident to the indexer from the contents of the file. If future use of the collection demonstrates sufficient need, a supplemental cross-index for the five-volume index will be prepared, allowing access by composer, arranger, conductor, and recording artist.
The scores in this collection are a valuable resource and the faculty and students of Brigham Young University and from other institutions are encouraged to make appropriate use of them. They are available for consultation by scholars in the Music and Dance Reading Room of the Harold B. Lee Library; however, those desiring prompt access should write or telephone prior to visiting the library. The scores may not be removed from the library, but special arrangements may be made if copies are needed. Long-distance scholars unable to visit the archives in person may request digital copies.
(Reproduced, with alterations for currency, from the introduction of the Alphabetical Title Index to the Capitol Records Company Archives of Music Manuscripts, compiled in 1978.)
