FAQs
Q: I cannot find the text of a song.
A: A complete text is only available for songs marked with txt or scan or transcr(iption). For other songs please write to the library where the original is situated. You can also visit the Meertens Institute to see paper copies if we have them. In the coming years we hope to add more complete song texts.
Q: There is a musical note but I cannot find the music.
A: The note only indicates that there is notation in the original source. Only if transcr(iption) is mentioned is notation available online (and sometimes if there is a scan). A short musical incipit shows that there is an electronic transcription available.
Q: The audio won't play. How do I get it to work properly?
A: The audio (mp3's) are played using HTML5-code. Please check first whether your computer can play audio, that the volume is turned up and try a different browser (Google Chrome, Safari, Firefox, etc.).
In some older browsers the mp3 (in HTML5) won't play - in that case, please try from a different computer.
Q: I would like to receive some mp3's on a CD. Can you send me such a CD?
A: You can download the mp3's yourself using the standard functionality of your internet browser. How this is done depends on your browser. Unless otherwise stated, the recordings are owned by the Meertens Institute and you are allowed to download material for personal use only. In any other case, please contact the Meertens Institute by sending an e-mail to the address below.
Q: I would like to use a scan from the Meertens Collection for publication. Is that allowed?
A: This is allowed for educational and non-commercial publications only, and there should be a reference to the source ('Meertens Institute collection'). In any other case, please contact the Meertens Institute by sending an e-mail to the address below.
The Dutch Song Database also contains scans from the Broadside Collection of the National Library of the Netherlands (KB). These are indicated by the letters 'KB' in the siglum. For authorisation for publishing these images, please contact the National Library. If necessary, TIFF's of both collections can be sent to you from the Meertens Institute.
V: Why do I get hundreds of hits when searching for title 'psalm 64', most of them without 'psalm 64' in the title?
A: When searching for 'psalm 64' you meet the rule that it is not possible to search for individual words with two characters or less.
Solution: Search for the complete string by using double quotation marks: "psalm 064".
Q: How do I find a song book?
A: Go to 'all words' in the Search Bar and choose below 'sources' either 'all words' or 'title'.
Q: When searching for a song containing the word 'aenmerct' in the first line by entering 'aanmerkt' (the modern dutch equivalent) I don't get the expected result. Am I using your respelling system correctly?
A: You should enter 'aanmerk'. In the respelling we write the imperative without -t. Click for more details about modernized spelling.
Q: When searching for a song containing the word 'meyskin' in the first line by entering 'meisken' I don't find the song. Am I using your respelling system correctly?
A: You should enter 'meisje'. In the respelling all diminutives on -ken and -ke are replaced with forms using -je. Click for more details about modernized spelling.
Q: How do I find all versions of the song text called Heer Halewijn?
A: Search for instance 'halewijn' and click a song text which is definitely a version of the song you are looking for. In the next screen click 'all songs with this text'.
Q: How do I find all versions of the melody of the Wilhelmus Song?
A: Search for 'wilhelmus' and click a version of the Wilhelmus Song. In the next screen click 'all songs sung to this melody'. All versions with a musical note have notation in the source.
Q: What does a number after the standard name of a melody mean, e.g. Heer Halewijn (3)?
A: There are several melodies to which the song of Lord Halewijn can be sung, and we have numbered them. Such a melody may be musically related to the first one, but in other cases it may be a completely different melody.
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