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Organ Resources
About the Music Collection
The Music Collection of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (CLP) is one of the outstanding public library music collections in the United States, with close to 80,000 books and scores; 28,000 recordings; 400 periodical, newsletter and serial titles; an expansive video and DVD collection; music scores in CD-ROM and online versions; online databases for research and listening to music; and numerous special files and indexes that cover all aspects of music, including material related to music in the Pittsburgh area.
About the Organ Collection
- Over 10,000 organ music scores for classical and sacred (hymnals, service music) styles. Scores include CDROM collections of individual composer's works.
- Our Organ Sheet Music Collection, a special collection of over 1300 works, some donated by local organists.
- Over 1,000 classical (solo) organ and sacred music CDs.
- Over 100 organ instructional books.
- DVDs and videos of organ master classes/performances and performances of major choral works.
Return to the topBrowse the Shelves!
Music Scores
Music scores are available as Printed Scores, on CD-ROM or as Music Scores Online.
Printed Scores
Library of Congress Call Numbers ("q" indicates an oversized book)
| (q) M6-7 | Solo organ (miscellaneous collections, works of one composer or two composers) |
| (q) M8-10 | Solo organ sonatas, symphonies, suites, variation forms, fugues with or without preludes |
| (q) M11 | Solo organ pieces (separate works) |
| (q) M12-13 | Solo organ arrangements (collections and separate works) |
| (q) M14-14.5 | Organ accompaniments to hymns, psalms, chants; Liturgical music (general and for specific seasons or occasions) |
| (q) M14.8-14.85 | Electronic organ works (collections and separate pieces) |
| (q) M15-19 | Reed organ works |
| (q) M180-195 | Organ duets (one or more organs, two or more players, includes reed organ pieces); organ and one other instrument |
| (q) M300-309 | Organ and two other instruments |
| (q)M400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900 | Organ and four, five, six, seven, eight, nine other instruments (especially works for organ and brass ensembles) |
| (q)M1005-1006 | Organ with orchestra (includes full and reduced scores, cadenzas) |
| (q)M1108-1109 | Organ with string orchestra |
| (q)M1999-2114.8 | Sacred vocal music (includes oratorios, masses, cantatas, choruses, songs) |
| (q)M2115-2146 | Hymnals |
| (q)M2147-2188 | Liturgy and ritual (e.g. sacred texts for church services) |
| (q)M2190-2199 | Sacred vocal music for children (e.g. pageants) |
Dewey Decimal Call Numbers
(Dewey books and scores, with or without an "M," are interfiled)
| (q) (M)783.1-783.9 | Sacred Music (choral works, hymnals) |
| (q) (M)786.8 | Organ music: general collections |
| (q) (M)786.81-786.87 | Organ works by form (e.g. fugues) |
| (q) (M)786.9 | Cabinet organ, melodeon |
Please note that the range of Dewey call numbers indicates solo scores for this instrument. If looking for other works, please ask a librarian for assistance.
Music Score CD-ROMs
CD-ROM music scores can be found on the shelf in the "CD-ROM Collection." CD-ROM scores appear in the catalog as a Music Score with the words "electronic resource" after the title. To search in the catalog, use "Advanced Keyword." Enter the composer name and the words "electronic resource." Then limit the material type to Music Scores.
Organ Sheet Music Collection
This supplemental collection of over 1300 individual pieces of sheet music includes numerous gifts from distinguished Pittsburgh organists, including Caspar Koch, the Pittsburgh City Organist from 1904-1954. To access the list of works and find out how to borrow pieces, click here.
Music Scores Online
See Music Scores Online under Databases.
Instruction Books
Library of Congress Call Numbers ("q" indicates an oversized book)
| (q)MT 180-208 | Organ instruction, studies, and methods |
Dewey Decimal Call Numbers
(Dewey books and scores, with or without an "M," are interfiled)
| (q) (M)786.7 | Instruction |
Other Books
Library of Congress Call Numbers ("q" indicates an oversized book)
| (q)ML549.8-649 | Organ history and criticism, construction, repair (see ML549 for other early keyboard information) |
Dewey Decimal Call Numbers
(Dewey books and scores, with or without an "M," are interfiled
| (q) (M)786.5 | Organ history |
| (q) (M)786.6 | Construction, tuning, regulation |
Sound Recordings
Sound recordings are available as CDs or to Listen online. Some historical recordings can also be found on LP and other formats.
CDs
Some organ-related CD categories (see "Browsing for CDs" for details):
| Ch | Choral Music |
| Co | Concertos |
| Jz | Jazz |
| Og | Organ (classical sacred, popular) |
Listen online
See Listen online under Databases
Search the Catalog
Below are examples of useful subject headings for searching in The Catalog. See "Catalog Tips for Music" for further help on searching.
Scores and sound recordings
(Scores and sound recordings use similar subject headings)
organ music
organ music arranged
organ music jazz
organ music ragtime (and so on)
organ music 4 hands
organ music organs 2 and
organ music organs 2 arranged (for two organs)
organ music Germany
organ music France (works for anthologies… more results by composer search)
flute and organ music OR
flute and organ music scores and parts
violin and organ music OR
violin and organ music scores and parts (and so on)
hymns accompaniments
hymns German
hymns French (and so on for other languages and ethnicities)
hymns Baptist
hymns Catholic Church (and so on for other denominations)
Instruction Books
organ musical instrument instruction and study
organ musical instrument methods
organ musical instrument studies and exercises
Other Books
organ musical instrument bibliography
organ musical instrument construction
organ musical instrument history
organ musical instrument registration
organ stops
organ musical instrument history
organ music history
organ music discography
organ music interpretation
organ musical instrument tuning
Periodicals
The Carnegie Library subscribes to the following piano periodicals. These can only be used in the library.
The American Organist (U.S., 1979 to date)
(**An earlier version of this journal was published from 1918-1970.)
Monthly. The official journal of the American Guild of Organists. Articles on performance practices, professional concerns and professional opportunities. A church and its organ are highlighted (with a full description of ranks, stops, etc.) in each issue as are facilities with restored instruments. Reviews of newly published works including sheet music, books and DVDs/videos.
The Diapason (U.S., 1913 to date)
Monthly. Similar in scope to American Organist. A publication for the professional organists/church musician. News from around the world of organ music and musicians is featured. Feature articles highlight organists of the past and present. Organ builders are also a huge focus of the journal, and specific instruments are fully described. Reviews of newly published sheet music (choral and solo organ) and recordings.
Databases
Music Research
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(CLP Only)
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Listen Online: Streaming Music
(CLP Card)
(CLP Card)
(CLP Card)
CLP-Main Only
Only available within the Main Library of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
(CLP Card)
(CLP Card)
(CLP Card)
(CLP Card)
(CLP Card)
(CLP Card)
Music Scores Online
Web Resources
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American Guild of Organists
Website for this paid membership organization. Provides information about professional certification, job concerns (e.g. salary, copyright law), conventions, academic programs and resources for children. Includes an online store for sheet music, books, DVDs/videos and compact discs. -
OrganFax
A large and comprehensive organ and keyboard-related directory. -
Pittsburgh Chapter: American Guild of Organists
The local version of the national organization. Hosts monthly meetings that frequently include a recital. Provides a forum for education and professional discussion. The chapter sponsors the Organ Artists Series, a concert series at various churches and the Pittsburgh Organ Academy, a training program for young organists.
Hours/Contact Us
Monday-Thursday 10 AM - 8 PM
Friday-Saturday 10 AM - 5:30 PM
Sunday 12 -5 PM
Music/Film & Audio, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
4400 Forbes Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15213
412-622-3105
musicdept@carnegielibrary.org
