Publishing Strategy

The Editorial Committee of Musica Britannica accepts proposals for new additions to the series at any time. Proposals are considered at the Committee’s meetings, which take place every January, April and October. Guidelines for preparing a proposal are available here.  

As a national collection of music, Musica Britannica comprises music by British composers, incorporating those of English, Welsh and Scottish nationalities, but defined loosely, acknowledging Britain’s politically complex history (particularly in relation to the island of Ireland), and including composers who were second-generation migrants to Britain, as well as composers of British nationality who primarily worked abroad. Anonymous compositions clearly created for British musical institutions and contexts are also included in some volumes, particularly for early repertories where attributions are rare.  

In addition to this primary characteristic, the Editorial Committee prioritises for inclusion:  

  1. Music of the highest quality that can be considered to have made a significant contribution to British musical culture 

  2. Music that is not otherwise available in a scholarly edition  

  3. Music that is no longer in copyright, and for which rights do not need to be acquired 

  4. Repertory, genres and composers that are currently under-represented within the edition, particularly music by female composers and composers of colour.