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This document contains instructions for using the 382 field for medium of performance in RDA records. The medium of performance is the forces uses to perform music (instruments, voices, electronics, etc.), not the form or genre of the music (i.e., not "jazz" or "quartets"). The 382 field is similar to the 048 field, but is much more granular in application. Best practices for using the medium of performance statement is available here.

MARC coding and the LCMPT

All medium of performance statements are put in a 382 field in MARC. Most often you will use: 382 0 1 to indicate a complete medium of performance statement. Occasionally, there may be only a partial medium of performance statement with the MARC coding 382 1 1.

All medium of performance statements are constructed using the Library of Congress Medium of Performance Thesaurus (LCMPT), and all will have the subfield: $2 lcmpt at the end of the statement. The terms in the LCMPT are found on Classification Web under "Search Medium of Performance Terms."

Rules for the 382 field

The 382 displays the instruments used in the piece in the $a subfield, with each instrument followed by the number of performers in the $n subfield. The $s subfield then displays the total number of performers for the piece.

A piece for solo piano:

382 0 1 piano $n 1 $s 1 $2 lcmpt

A piece for violin and viola:

382 0 1 violin $n 1 $a viola $n 1 $s 2 $2 lcmpt

A piece for string quartet (2 violins, 1 viola, 1 cello, 4 performers total):

382 0 1 violin $n 2 $a viola $n 1 $a cello $n 1 $s 4 $2 lcmpt

Works for ensembles do not currently utilize $n or $s subfields.

A piece for orchestra:

382 0 1 orchestra $2 lcmpt

A piece for string orchestra and mixed chorus:

382 0 1 string orchestra $a mixed chorus $2 lcmpt

A soloist performing with an ensemble gets a $b subfield.

A solo violinist with orchestra:

382 0 1 $b violin $n 1 $a orchestra $2 lcmpt

A trio for piano, violin, and flute, with the flute doubling on piccolo:

382 0 1 piano $n 1 $a violin $n 1 $a flute $n 1 $d piccolo $n 1 $s 3 $2 lcmpt

A duet for guitar (or lute) and piano:

382 0 1 guitar $n 1 $p lute $n 1 $a piano $n 1 $s 2 $2 lcmpt

A piece for mixed chorus with SATB singers:

382 0 1 mixed chorus $v SATB $2 lcmpt

A piece for 1 piano, 4 hands (that is, 2 performers):

382 0 1 piano $n 2 $s 2 $v piano, 4 hands $2 lcmpt

Creating and editing the medium of performance field

Check each 382 field you see carefully for errors. Verify terms in ClassWeb if they seem unfamiliar.

If the record is a score and in RDA, and there is no 382 field, add one. Use only terms present in the LCMPT. If a specific term is not present, go with a general term. (For example, there is no "jazz band," so simply use "band."). Some works may use very general terms ("instrumental ensemble," "singer," "keyboard instrument," etc.).

If the record is a sound recording, only record a 382 field if the entire sound recording is for the same medium of performance, or if a general term can be used. If, for example, a CD has a piece for orchestra, a piece for piano, and a piece for 2 violins, do not bother recording an individual medium of performance field for each work.

Do not use the 382 field for operas.

Many works of popular music may not have proper terms. Many rock and jazz ensembles will end up being "instrumental ensemble," for lack of a more granular term. Many popular music sound recordings may not have a 382 field at all, either because the performing forces change from track to track, or because it is impossible to easily ascertain what the medium of performance is.

Created by cdh, 6/12/15

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