RIdIM: The International Inventory of Musical Instruments Museums
In the world of musicology and organology—the scientific study of musical instruments—centralized data is essential for research and preservation. One of the most critical pillars of this effort is RIdIM, a comprehensive international inventory designed to catalog musical instrument collections across the globe.
The Origins of RIdIM
RIdIM was officially founded on August 26, 1971. Its creation was the result of a collaborative effort by five key figures in the field: Barry S. Brook, Geneviève Thibault de Chambure, Harald Heckmann, Howard Mayer Brown, and Walter Salmen. Their goal was to create a structured system for documenting the world's musical instrument museums.
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A Collaborative Global Framework
RIdIM does not operate in isolation. It is one of the four major Répertoires (known as the "R" projects), which are large-scale international databases dedicated to musicological research. These projects were established through the joint efforts of several prestigious organizations:
- International Musicological Society (IMS)
- International Association of Music Libraries, Archives, and Documentation Centres (IAML)
- International Committee of Musical Instrument Museum Collections (CIMCIM), a branch of the International Council of Museums (ICOM).
The Four "R" Projects
RIdIM is part of a broader ecosystem of scholarly inventories. Together, these four projects provide a holistic view of musical history, from the instruments themselves to the literature and press coverage surrounding them.
| Project Acronym | Full Name (French) | Primary Focus |
|---|---|---|
| RIdIM | Répertoire international des musées d'instruments de musique | Musical instrument museum collections |
| RISM | Répertoire international des sources musicales | Musical sources/manuscripts |
| RILM | Répertoire international de littérature musicale | Music literature and scholarship |
| RIPM | Répertoire international de la presse musicale | Musical press and periodicals |
Key Facts
- Founded: August 26, 1971.
- Founders: Barry S. Brook, Geneviève Thibault de Chambure, Harald Heckmann, Howard Mayer Brown, and Walter Salmen.
- Affiliations: IMS, IAML, and CIMCIM (of ICOM).
- Classification: One of the four "R" projects of international musicology.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is RIdIM?
RIdIM is an international inventory focused on the collections of musical instrument museums, serving as one of the four primary "R" projects in musicology.
When was RIdIM established?
It was founded on August 26, 1971.
Who were the founders of RIdIM?
The project was founded by Barry S. Brook, Geneviève Thibault de Chambure, Harald Heckmann, Howard Mayer Brown, and Walter Salmen.
Which organizations support the "R" projects?
The projects are established by the International Musicological Society (IMS), the International Association of Music Libraries, Archives, and Documentation Centres (IAML), and the International Committee of Musical Instrument Museum Collections (CIMCIM) of the International Council of Museums (ICOM).
What are the other "R" projects besides RIdIM?
The other three projects are RISM (musical sources), RILM (music literature), and RIPM (musical press).