Learning new concepts

Well, it seems like its been a long time since I last made a journal entry, but really there has been only one work day in between the last posting and today's. I've learned a lot since then, particularly on the following subjects:

1. Language Codes {041}: I've learned how to code this field to represent non-musical materials in scores, including translations, libretti, instructions for performance, sung or spoken text, table of contents, etc.
2. Varying Forms of Titles {246}: I've learned when it is necessary to include other forms of title information as added entries. For example, a title such as "Three bagatelles" should have added variant titles for "3 bagatelles" and "Bagatelles" so that the library patron can find the item regardless of the way he or she searches for it.
3. Performance Durations {306, 500, 505}: I've learned both the code field {306} and how to create an appropriate note for durations noted in scores. One thing in particular: when the item contains durations for multiple works, and a contents note {505 field} is included, the durations are noted with each of the works in the contents note. Otherwise, the duration is given a separate {500 field} note.
4. Creation of added analytical entries for personal names {700}: I cataloged an anthology of contemporary marimba music, for which none of the four pieces had name-title authority records. I learned how to research titles and represent my findings correctly on an authority record. We had to do a bit of searching on lots of Polish websites to find information about some of the composers. That was fun.
5. The difference between "1 score (27 p.)" and "27 p. of music" {300}: The difference is that a score is generally considered more than one performer's parts all in one staff, whereas works for solo instruments, including piano (which technically has two staves of music, or one "grand staff") and organ (which may have a grand staff plus another staff for pedals) use "p. of music".

Concerning this last subject, there has been some discussion on MLA-L recently to propose that AACR2 and the future RDA get rid of the "p. of music" designation entirely, and call all notated music a "score". I read through many of the arguments posted on the Listserv, and although many seem to be reluctant to throw out "p. of music" without a compelling reason, I think a compelling reason may be simplicity's sake, especially in light of the fact that RDA is supposed to simplify cataloging rules and practices somewhat. Perhaps something like "Notated music (27 p.)" would be a better descriptive term that skirts the issue of the technical definition of "score". "Notated music (27 p.)" could equally accommodate items that are entirely made up of musical material, as well as books that contain text and notated music (e.g., "lxvi, 55 p., notated music (27 p.)"). The one issue that remains would be a way to correctly note special types of scores (vocal score, miniature score, close score, etc.). Hmmmm.