How to identify a first printing
- 1861-1892 (founding era): Printed music is identified by the engraved PLATE NUMBER at the foot of the page and the firm imprint 'G. Schirmer' with address; editions are distinguished by plate number, not by edition statements.
- 1892-c.1960s (Schirmer's Library of Musical Classics, the yellow-cover series begun 1892): Each volume carries a 'Library Vol. No.' plus an engraving/plate number; reissues keep the same Library number, so printings are NOT bibliographically distinguished — identify the issue by plate number and copyright year. The familiar canary-yellow cover marks the series.
- 1973-1986 (Schirmer Books, the trade/textbook book imprint founded 1973 as a Macmillan division): Trade music BOOKS use a descending number line on the copyright page; the lowest digit present indicates the printing. Printed music continues plate-number identification.
- 1986-present (Music Sales Group ownership; Hal Leonard exclusive print distributor since 1986; later rebranded Wise Music Group, 2020): G. Schirmer/AMP scores are distributed by Hal Leonard, so the copyright page may carry a Hal Leonard distribution credit. Scores keep plate/catalog numbers; the separate Schirmer Books trade imprint passed to Macmillan/Schirmer Reference and was later folded.
Notable points & cautions
- Founded 1861 by Gustav Schirmer Sr.; iconic yellow-cover 'Schirmer's Library of Musical Classics' since 1892 — printings within a Library number are generally indistinguishable, so use plate number plus copyright year.
- TWO Schirmers to separate: the MUSIC publisher (G. Schirmer, scores) and Schirmer Books / Schirmer Reference (the trade/textbook book line of the Macmillan era).
- Macmillan acquired G. Schirmer in 1968; Music Sales Group acquired Schirmer and AMP in 1986 with Hal Leonard as exclusive print distributor; now part of Wise Music Group.
- Plate number, not a number line, is the core identifier for engraved music.
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Schirmer's Library of Musical Classics, G. Schirmer, Associated Music Publishers (AMP), Schirmer Books (trade book line, Macmillan era). Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my G. Schirmer, Inc. book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. 1861-1892 (founding era): Printed music is identified by the engraved PLATE NUMBER at the foot of the page and the firm imprint 'G. Schirmer' with address; editions are distinguished by plate number, not by edition statements. 1892-c.1960s (Schirmer's Library of Musical Classics, the yellow-cover series begun 1892): Each volume carries a 'Library Vol. No.' plus an engraving/plate number; reissues keep the same Library number, so printings are NOT bibliographically distinguished — identify the issue by plate number and copyright year. The familiar canary-yellow cover marks the series.
Does G. Schirmer, Inc. use a number line?
1892-c.1960s (Schirmer's Library of Musical Classics, the yellow-cover series begun 1892): Each volume carries a 'Library Vol. No.' plus an engraving/plate number; reissues keep the same Library number, so printings are NOT bibliographically distinguished — identify the issue by plate number and copyright year. The familiar canary-yellow cover marks the series.
Is a book-club edition a G. Schirmer, Inc. first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Founded 1861 by Gustav Schirmer Sr.; iconic yellow-cover 'Schirmer's Library of Musical Classics' since 1892 — printings within a Library number are generally indistinguishable, so use plate number plus copyright year.
What era does this cover?
This covers G. Schirmer, Inc. (1861-present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.