MXMLiszt: a preliminary MusicXML digital library platform built on available open-source technologies

Abstract

Purpose – The aim of this article is to describe the genesis and structural components for an open‐source MusicXML digital library platform.Design/methodology/approach – After briefly discussing music information retrieval within the context of emerging approaches to digital music notation formats, specifically MusicXML, the article discusses how the author's graduate school project evolved into a search and delivery platform for MusicXML files and their manifestations, with particular emphasis on the platform's underlying software structure. A discussion of the platform's end user interface and administrative scripts provides further explanation regarding how the system functions.Findings – Although work remains to be done, digital libraries are poised to use MusicXML and its supporting software for the advancement of music‐related services offered to patrons.Originality/value – The paper discusses a proof‐of‐concept, open‐source MusicXML digital library platform that may be of interest to librarians wit...