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Belgium, report 2003

The importance of cultural and musical heritage is recognised by several governments who granted some of the needed financial support. This resulted in several digitising projects for scores as well as sound recordings. These projects are not yet completed, but they show that Belgium has the intention to make up arrears.

Music libraries tried, and are trying, to make people more conscious about musical heritage, and several exhibitions – mostly combined with concert performances – were organised.

Two exhibitions of international importance are coming; one concerning Lutoslawski in the Royal Library, the other concerning German collector Guido Wagener. The Royal Conservatory in Brussels acquired his collection of about 8000 volumes in 1904. The importance of the collection can be shown by the recent facsimile edition of ms. 97.280. This French manuscript dates from the 1670s and contains some unknown repertoire for the French harpsichord. After a long period of preparation and discussion, the first Belgian music catalogue will be available on the Internet from the end of this year.

The Royal Library has appointed new members for RILM Belgium. Klaus Keil was invited by Resonant in Louvain to assist in the reorganisation of RISM Belgium.

Johan Eeckeloo