ClassiCat^tm Recommended Data Conventions

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Why recommended data conventions?

Of course, you can use any conventions that you want when creating your ClassiCat database. However, to take advantage of the ClassiCat Import-Export service you should use the following recommendations. This will insure that you can use the extract files that you import with minimal modification and it will allow you to contribute extracts from your own database to share with other users.

The goal of the Import-Export Utility is to save you data entry time, not necessarily to eliminate it. Remember that even if there are conventions that you just don't agree with, it is much easier to change a field or two than to add the entire entry from scratch.

See the Import-Export FAQ for additional information.

GENERAL

1. Do not use a period in common abbreviations.
   Example:
   • Symphony No 1 (instead of Symphony No. 1)
2. Compositions that do not include all movements will only be accepted if their title contains an asterisk("*") at the end. This will be a visual cue for entries that the user can optionally complete while not preventing the complete entry from being imported later.
   Example:
   • La traviata*
3. Preference should always be given to generally accepted conventions when entering in composition or movement titles. If a work or movement is generally known by a name that otherwise violates the conventions recommended here, preference should be given to the generally used name.
   Example:

• Stravinsky's Symphony in C (not Symphony in C major)

COMPOSITION TITLES

1. Use key signature when appropriate; for major keys, specify the word "major".
2. When specifying a key, do not capitalize the words sharp, flat, major, or minor. Do not use a hyphen before flat or sharp.
   Example:
   • Symphony No 1 in D major
   • Piano Concerto No 5 in E flat major
3. The opus or catalog number should be used in the title when needed to differentiate otherwise duplicate titles. Otherwise, it is optional.
   Example:
   • Prelude and Fugue in C major (BWV 545)
   • Sonata Movement in B flat major, K 400

While either format is acceptable, it is desirable to use the same one for all compositions for the same composer.

1. For solo instrument pieces, start with the instrument name unless there is more than one; otherwise use the format in the 2nd example below.
   Examples:
   • Flute Concerto No 1 in D major
   • Concerto No 1 for Flute and Harp in D major
2. Where compositions have numbers in the titles (as opposed to numbered titles like Symphony No 1), use Arabic numbers.
   Example:
   • 15 Hungarian Peasant Songs

COMPOSITION "ID" or OPUS NUMBER

1. For compositions made up of smaller units that have a distinct identifier, such as Chopin's Preludes, use one of the following formats for the sub-compositions:
   • Op 28/3
   • Op 28, No 3

   To save space, the first format is preferred. 

MOVEMENT TITLES

For purposes of this discussion, the three movements text boxes used in ClassiCat can be referred to as designator, title, and subtitle respectively.

1. Designator: Should contain a numeric identifier for the sequence of a movement whenever one is used.
   Examples:
   • 1, 2, 3, etc
   • Act I, Scene 1, Act II, Scene 2, etc
     
2. Designator: In most cases, give preference to Arabic (1,2,3...) numbers unless the composer has used something else. One exception would be operas, where Roman numbers are preferred for Acts with Arabic numbers used for Scenes.
   Example:
   • Act IV, Scene 4
     
3. In compositions like an opera, the type of selection (aria, recitative, etc.) should be listed in the Designator (after the numeric identifier, if there is one) or, if everything won't fit in the Designator field, at the beginning of the Title. In the examples, the slashes separate the designator and title.
   Examples:
   • No 3 Aria / Title
   • Recitative / Title
   • No 4 / Recitative: Title
4. Title: Should contain the given title (or designated tempo) of the movement.
   
5. Subtitle: For operas and vocal compositions, can be used to list the soloist(s) or characters.
   Examples:
   • Chorus
   • Tenor
   • Tosca, Scarpia

INSTRUMENTATION

1. Use instruments, at least for ensembles up to five participants; optional for more than that.

GENRE

1. Priority should be given to "official" catalog classifications where they exist and you know them. Otherwise, preference will be given to entries that are most consistent with the existing download files.

NOTES

1. Notes with any copyrighted material will not be accepted. If in TDWARE's judgement there is any doubt, the notes will not be made available for downloading.

NATIONALITIES

1. For Composer and Artist nationalities, use the proper country name ("Italy" as opposed to "Italian"). This will make it consistent with the birth country.

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