I was wondering, classical works mostly are listed with their instrumentation. (for orchestra, for piano and orchestra, for string quartet, etc.)
But what is the most appropriate place to enter this for the work?
-Strictly it’s not part of the title (well, sometimes it is, for works with generic titles like concerto, but I have those with unique titles in mind)
-Unless there are versions for different instrumentations, it’s strictly not a disambiguation either
-That leaves for the annotation?
The annotation has the disadvantage of being a separate step, as it’s not present on creating or editing a work. (This is a general thing, already touched in a different topic).
Annotation also has limited visibility (only on looking at the work page it is shown, if I’m not mistaken.)
I see it a lot as disambiguation.
I have the idea the most proper way would actually be as simple as a work-instrument relationship. Something called “composed for”/“written for”. Also featuring a “solo” checkbox (as this is a common mention)
This also has the advantage an index is created of works written for a specific instrument. Which at its turn would allow for filtering on for instance “solo piano works by Beethoven” etc.
I’m not sure if there wouldn’t be a practical obstacle when a work involves vocal roles, as these currently aren’t “instruments” on MB. Although I know there are plans to change this.
It would probably also need need the “appears as” function, as not all instrumentations are literally available as instrument (for instance specific ensemble names, such as “piano septet” to give a random example.)
Any thoughts on this?