Whether in a separate publication or in the general catalogue, the composer occupies the place held by the authors of other works, and his surname is taken for the main-entry, as shown in the following examples of operas. The title-pages read:—
Maritana. Opera in three acts, the music composed by W. Vincent Wallace. The words by Edward Fitzball. Edited by Myles B. Foster. Boosey & Co.
The Bohemians (founded upon "La vie de Bohème" by Henry Murger.) An opera in four acts by Giuseppe Giacosa and Luigi Illica. Music by Giacomo Puccini. English version of Acts I. and II. by William Grist, Acts III. and IV. by Percy Pinkerton. Arranged by Carlo Carignani. G. Ricordi & Co. Copyright 1897. (Printed in Italy.)
and these we proceed to condense and adapt after this manner:—
Wallace, W. Vincent. Maritana: opera; words
by Edward Fitzball; ed. by Myles B. Foster.
(Royal ed.) pp. ii., 284. n.d.
Puccini, Giacomo. The Bohemians: an opera by
Giuseppe Giacosa and Luigi Illica; English
version by Wm. Grist and Percy Pinkerton;
arranged by Carlo Carignani. pp. viii., 204.
4o 1897
In the first entry the added words denoting the edition are taken from the printed cover of the book.
The above represent the full form for the dictionary catalogue. Any additional entries would be in the way of references from the names of the writers of the libretti, the translators, editors, or arrangers, as
Fitzball, Edward. See Wallace, W. Vincent.
Foster, Myles B. See Wallace, W. Vincent.
It may be considered that the writer of the libretto is of equal importance with the composer in such work, both often being named together in connection therewith, as "the Gilbert-Sullivan operas." It must be remembered, however, that in musical works like these the libretto as given seldom represents the complete work of the author, the spoken words being omitted; therefore, not only is his place secondary, but his share in the work is incomplete. For this reason even the reference can be dispensed with, except in full catalogues, where every name is taken into account. In the contrary case, where the words of an opera are published without the music, the reverse method would be followed, and the name of the composer ignored for cataloguing, because his work is not included.