Finding a Piece of Music Without a Catalog Number: Toccata Identification
Have you ever struggled to identify a piece of music, especially when you try to find it online and come up empty-handed? This article aims to guide you through the process of identifying a toccata you heard, but couldn't find by its known catalog number. We'll explore the techniques and resources available to you, ensuring you can pinpoint the correct composition.
The Importance of Catalog Numbers in Musicology
In the world of music, catalog numbers play a crucial role, particularly in the work of composers like Johann Sebastian Bach. These numbers help other scholars, musicians, and musicologists accurately reference and categorize the compositions. When the catalog number is unfamiliar or missing, it can be challenging to find the piece. Let's delve into the steps you can take to identify the toccata you encountered.
Identifying the Toccata Without a Catalog Number
In your case, you mentioned a toccata that initially seemed to be by Johann Sebastian Bach. However, upon further investigation, you realized it might not be a Bach piece. Instead, it could be Pachelbel's Toccata in C minor, marked with the BWV (Bach-Werke-Verzeichnis) number P.459. The BWV number is a cataloging system for Bach's works, but when a piece isn't by Bach, it's important to seek out other identifiers.
The toccata you described started with eighth notes in the right hand, followed by thirty-second notes in both hands, creating a complementary rhythm. Additionally, the piece featured minimal pedal usage, typically a pedal point or very few notes. This description provides valuable information for identifying the piece.
Using Free Public Domain Sheet Music and Online Resources
One of the first steps in identifying a piece of music is to use free public domain sheet music and online resources. Websites like IMSLP (International Music Score Library Project) offer vast collections of sheet music in various formats, including scans and transcriptions, which can be invaluable for research. In your case, IMSLP provided a link to Pachelbel's Toccata in C minor (P.459) as a potential match. Given the specific characteristics you described—such as the eighth and thirty-second note rhythms and the minimal pedal usage—this piece seems to align with your recollection.
Another important resource is YouTube, where thousands of performances of different pieces are available. When searching for a toccata, it's helpful to look for performances that closely match the style and characteristics you remember. You can also transcribe the piece you heard and compare it with transcriptions available on platforms like Transcribe! or Music Transcription Software, which can help you refine your identification.
Understanding the Significance of Edition Peters Marking
Another piece of information you provided was that the sheet was a photocopy and contained a marking from Edition Peters. Edition Peters is a renowned publisher of sheet music and has issued several editions of music by various composers. The marking from Edition Peters, along with the style and characteristics of the piece, can be used to narrow down your search. This marking suggests that the piece might have been published by Edition Peters, and you can check their catalogue or online resources for more information.
Conclusion
In summary, identifying a piece of music without a catalog number can be a challenging task, especially when the piece is not by a well-known composer like Bach. By using the resources of free public domain sheet music, online databases like IMSLP, and YouTube performances, you can piece together the puzzle of the toccata you heard. Understanding the significance of publishers like Edition Peters can also aid in your search. If you continue to struggle, consider joining online communities or forums where music enthusiasts and experts can provide more detailed assistance.