RISM publications are divided into how many series?

RISM, which stands for Répertoire International de Sources Musicales, is an international project aimed at documenting the sources of music. RISM publications are categorized into three distinct series to facilitate the organization and accessibility of musical sources.

The first series focuses on instrumental and vocal music manuscripts from the late Middle Ages to the present. It aims to provide a comprehensive inventory of the vast array of musical compositions available in manuscript form, allowing researchers and musicians to locate these sources efficiently.

The second series concentrates on printed music, cataloging a wide range of printed musical scores that have been published over the centuries. This series is vital for identifying and accessing historical and contemporary printed music materials.

The third series includes secondary literature, such as works and studies that discuss various aspects of music sources, including historical context, analysis, and performance practice. This series supports scholarship by providing resources and studies that reference or relate to the primary sources.

By offering these three series, RISM facilitates a more organized approach to music source documentation. This structure aids in research, education, and preservation of musical heritage across time, making it easier for scholars, educators, and performers to utilize the rich resources available in each category.