Classical metadata must follow stricter and more structured conventions than standard repertoire. DSPs, publishers, and CMOs expect classical works to be described with clarity, hierarchy, and neutral wording. Because Work and Movement titles carry legal and historical significance, metadata must reproduce them faithfully and avoid any editorial commentary.

Reprtoir provides dedicated fields to capture this structure correctly. Correct usage of Titles, Subtitles, contributors, and roles ensures that DSPs display the Work and the recording as intended.

Works and Movements

Classical recordings normally consist of a Work (the complete composition) and one or several Movements. The Work title must use the original language as published by the composer. Movements must retain their traditional names, numbering, and tempo markings.

Examples

Symphony No. 5 in C Minor, Op. 67: I. Allegro con brio
Nocturne in E-flat Major, Op. 9 No. 2

Avoid paraphrasing, partial translation, or re-invented titles. The Work–Movement hierarchy must remain strictly preserved.

Titles and Subtitles

In Reprtoir:

The Title field must contain either the Work title (for complete performances) or the Movement title (for individual movements).
The Subtitle field must contain the version or additional descriptor when needed: "Live", "Remastered 2024", "2023 Recording", "Historically Informed Performance", etc.

Do not include performers, ensembles, conductors, or recording locations in Titles or Subtitles. These elements belong exclusively to contributor fields.

Correct examples

Title: Symphony No. 40 in G Minor, K. 550: I. Molto allegro
Subtitle: Live at Musikverein, 2021

Incorrect

Symphony No. 40 – Vienna Philharmonic Live Version
Mozart – Symphony No. 40 – 2021 Remastered

Composer Rules

The Composer field must always identify the original creator of the musical work. For multi-composer works, list each composer separately. Birth/death dates, catalog references, and editorial commentary must not be entered in the Composer field.

Correct

Composer: Ludwig van Beethoven

Incorrect

Beethoven (1770–1827)
Beethoven – Complete Symphonies

If arranging or orchestrating a work, the arranger must be indicated in the contributor section with the role "Arranger", while the original Composer remains unchanged.

Contributor Roles

Classical recordings require precise contributor roles because interpretation is fundamental to the identity of the performance. Each participant must be credited using the correct role:

Conductor
Orchestra
Ensemble
Choir
Soloist (Violin, Piano, Cello, etc.)
Arranger
Librettist
Lyricist (for vocal works)

Only performers directly audible in the recording should be listed. Do not add producers or engineers unless required by your distribution workflow.

Correct

Conductor: Herbert von Karajan
Orchestra: Berlin Philharmonic
Soloist (Piano): Maria João Pires

Incorrect

Artist: Berlin Philharmonic & Karajan (should be split into roles)

Multi-Movement Works

When delivering a complete work with multiple movements, each Track must reference its specific Movement title. The Album Title may reflect the complete work, while the Track Titles represent each movement.

Example structure Album Title: Beethoven: Symphony No. 9 in D Minor, Op. 125 Track Title: Symphony No. 9 in D Minor, Op. 125: I. Allegro ma non troppo Track Title: Symphony No. 9 in D Minor, Op. 125: II. Molto vivace … etc.

Movement numbers and tempo markings must not be removed, reordered, or rewritten.

Language Rules

Work titles must retain the language of their original publication (German, Italian, French, etc.). Movements must also preserve original indications, including tempo markings and performance directions.

Translations may appear only when historically standard and widely accepted (e.g., "Moonlight Sonata"), but the original catalog title must remain the canonical version.

Neutrality and Accuracy

Classical metadata must remain neutral. Do not use descriptive or promotional vocabulary such as:

"Beautiful Version"
"Masterpiece Recording"
"Exclusive Edition"
"Best Performance"

Recording locations, dates, or ensembles may be included as Subtitles but must never alter the canonical Work–Movement structure.

Covers, Arrangements, and Transcriptions

For classical repertoire, do not label recordings as "cover". If the work is adapted, orchestrated, or re-interpreted, use contributor roles such as:

Arranger
Orchestrator
Transcriber

The original Composer always remains credited in the Composer field.

Correct vs. Incorrect Examples

Correct

Symphony No. 3 in E-flat Major, Op. 55 "Eroica": I. Allegro con brio
Piano Concerto No. 21 in C Major, K. 467: II. Andante
Conductor: Claudio Abbado
Orchestra: Mahler Chamber Orchestra

Incorrect

Symphony No. 3 – Allegro (Live Orchestra Version)
Mozart – Piano Concerto No. 21 – Slow Movement
Eroica Symphony by Beethoven – Part 1

Final Notes

Classical metadata is one of the most sensitive areas of DSP editorial validation. Following the structured Work–Movement hierarchy, using correct contributor roles, and respecting the original language of composition ensures that recordings are displayed correctly on all DSPs — especially platforms with enhanced classical interfaces.