To space or not space, that is the question

[Scott Tichenor]

Yesterday in publishing Fabio Machado's Grieg Holberg Suite Op.40 I wondered to myself, why no space after Op., and did some searching on the web and find this is apparently covered in the IMSLP (International Music Score Library Project) style guide. Another example, String Quartet No.15, no space.

Ran across this lengthy (surprise) message board discussion on the IMSLP music forum discussing this with various arguments, etc. Appears the common correct usage is no space, although some say it doesn't matter (bear with me and imagine this discussed on a message board).

So, my question is, do those that frequent this forum prefer no space, space, or do you care? My recent extended foray into Bach certainly will never qualify me as a classical mandolinist, but I do like knowing little details like this and the reasons behind them, especially when publishing articles.

Also, it sure appears to me in looking over the web that the application of this is somewhat inconsistent.

[Woody Turner]

As an editor, I'd be inclined to go with a well-established authority like Grove or Chicago rather than put this to a vote. I don't have a copy of the Grove dictionary at hand, but The Chicago Manual of Style does use a space between "op." (and "no.") and the printed numeral; see section 7.146, page 227 (Thirteenth Edition)--e.g., "Sonata op. 31, no. 3." Also, Chicago says, "When a number, or an opus or catalog number, is used restrictively--i.e., identifies the work--no comma precedes it."

[btrott]

This is fascinating, Scott, at least to me as a librarian. I checked Grove, and the standard is indeed without a space (e.g. "Op.1"). I am going to have to have a look at that IMSLP discussion, but I agree with David that the best thing is to use what standard sources use. Of course, here, the two sources I generally use differ, but my tendency would be to go with Grove.

Barry

[recon]

I checked the 5th Edition of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association. I did not see a specific mention of musical scores, but in citing other numbered sources there is a space. That is, no. 1 or No. 1.

[mrmando]

On this one, I would be inclined to go with a specialized guide like Grove rather than a general guide like Chicago or APA.