25.29A. Initial title elements consisting solely of . . .

One Work of One Type:

When cataloging the first occurrence of a work of a particular type by a composer, apply the following:

1. If the composer is deceased, search reference sources to determine whether the composer wrote more than one work of the type, and use the singular or plural form in the uniform title according to the information found.

2. If the composer is living, use the singular form in the uniform title unless the work being cataloged bears a serial number (including 1); in that case use the popular form on the assumption that the composer has written or intents to write more works of the type.

When cataloging the second occurrence of a work of a particular type by a composer, if the singular form has been used in the uniform title for the first work of the type, revise the uniform title to use the plural form.

Note that the medium of performance is not a criterion in the application of this provision of the rule; if the composer wrote one piano sonata and one violin sonata, he or she wrote two sonatas and the plural form must be used.

Melodie/Melody:

When a French work for solo voice and keyboard stringed instrument has the title Melodie or Melodies, do not translate the title into English, since the cognate words in English and other languages do not have the specific meaning of the French word. Consider the medium of performance to be implied by the title and do not include it in the uniform title (25.30B1a)).

When a French work for solo voice without accompaniment or with accompaniment other than a keyboard stringed instrument alone has the title Melodie or Melodies, do not translate the title into English. Include the medium of accompaniment or a statement of the absence of accompaniment (25.30B10).

When the word Melody or Melodies, or its cognate in another language (including French), is the title of any other work, consider it the name of a type of composition. Use the English form in the uniform title and include the medium of performance (25.30B1).

Liturgical Titles:

Given Latin liturgical titles (e.g., "Gloria," "Salve Regina," "Te Deum") in the singular. Exception: Use "Manificats" and "Requiems" when appropriate. Apply 25.30B1a), and do not normally include a statement of medium of performance.