Separata

Separata, in music publishing, refers to a standalone edition of a piece of music published separately from a larger collection or archive. The term is Italian for "separate" and has been used in various European publishers since the 18th century. Separata were produced to facilitate distribution of individual works—such as short pieces, études, or arrangements—for a particular instrument or voice—without requiring buyers to purchase an entire volume. They were commonly issued as single sheets or small pamphlets, sometimes including only one part or a simplified edition suitable for teaching or performance.

In bibliographic practice, separata are identified by the word separata after the work’s title, or by notes indicating that the piece exists as a separate edition. The format contrasts with concert or chamber music collections, where all parts or movements appear in a single volume. While the practice was widespread in the 18th and 19th centuries, it declined with changes in publishing and distribution. Today, separata are mostly of interest to music historians, librarians, and performers dealing with historical editions. Some specialized publishers and editors may still issue works as separata for pedagogical reasons or to preserve access to rare pieces.

Other uses of the term exist in general language, where separata means items published separately, but in English-language music literature the term is primarily historical. See also edition, sheet music, and music printing history.