Classical Themes has listed about 1500 subject terms and names in alphabetical order, which can be associated with compositions of classical music from the past to present. This applies only to those sections and genres of music, which consciously illustrate the relationship with the world beyond the realm of sound by title, text or other references. Attempts to organize in thematic order are not new and are certainly part of the basic equipment of the research-based science. In this case, after collecting for more than 20 years, the starting point was my work as artistic director of the Konzerthaus Berlin. During the planning process for the concerts, which were often concentrated on thematic priorities of various kinds, a view on the “en passant” created reservoir of the compositional universe proved to be extremely stimulating and helpful. For this private use, a collection process was set in motion, which allows extensions ( but also revisions to certain existing inaccuracies or typographical errors) by the computer technology at any time. I will continue this work, but now in the sense of duty that the venture - made public - could be of many uses for very different needs in dealing with music and our knowledge of music history.

Berlin, July 2011                                                                                        Prof. Dr. Frank Schneider