1. Album Title Formatting. Classical albums should include the last name of the composer in the album title followed by the title of the composition. The composer's first initial or first name followed by the last name is also acceptable. Compilation albums, or albums with a specific title, don't need to list a composer in the album title, as the following examples:
- Bach: Sonatas and Partitas for Solo Violin, BWV 1001-1006
- Mozart: Requiem, K. 626
- Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 5 & 7
- Best of the Baroque
- Best of Puccini
- Verdi: La Traviata
2. Two Composers in Title. If an album has two composers, their names may be combined in the title, as the following examples:
- Debussy & Ravel: String Quartets
- Mozart & Haydn: String Quartets
3. Multiple Composers in the Title. If there are several composers with different pieces, each pairing should be listed in the title and separated by a dash:
- Allegri: Miserere - Pergolesi: Stabat Mater - Caldara: Stabat Mater
- Beethoven: Symphony No. 5 - Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 21
4. Formatting for Opera Titles. Opera titles must begin the title of every track, and a colon should be used only once:
- Don Giovanni, K. 527, Act II: "Il mio tesoro intanto"
- La Traviata, Act I: "Libiamo, libiamo..."
- Falstaff, Act III, Scene 2: "Tutto nel mondo è burla"
5. Consistency. Track titles should be treated consistently. If an album includes character information for one title, the information should be included for all other titles.
6. Song Titles. Song titles for classical music must be formatted as [Name of Work] in [Key], [Catalog Number]: [Movement Number]. [Movement Title]
This formatting is only expected if the information exists. Considering that, not all titles have all information available, if some information does not exists, it is not required.
List the key in the title if it is standard practice to do so. If it isn't standard to list the key, it is not required .
For example:
- Symphony No. 5 in C Minor, Op. 67: I. Allegro con brio
- Keyboard Concerto No. 5 in F Minor, BWV 1056: III. Presto
Nonstandard repertoire can vary, as the folllowing examples:
- Three Lyric Pieces, Op. 47: No. 1, Summer Song
- Die Winterreise, D. 911: No. 24, Der Leiermann
For movements or sections of a piece, roman numerals up to 20 can be used. If a
piece contains more than 20 sections, standard notation is acceptable (such as "No.
1," "No. 2," and so on).
Assigning Artists
1. Format. The standard artist name and spelling, must be assigned with no abbreviations, commas, or additional information.
2. Accuracy. Compositions must include (if available) information about the artists and contributors.
3. Primary Artist Assignation. All performers (such as symphonies, choirs, ensembles, conductors, accompanists) must be identified as primary artists in classical albums.
4. Use of Composer Role. At least one composer must be listed at the album and each track level. Composers must not be listed as primary artist unless they are performing on the recording as a soloist or conductor. Composers performing as a member of a larger ensemble may not be listed as Primary Artist.
5. Additional Role Assignation. Additional contributors (such as producers, engineers or similar), must be assigned according to their role.