SLOW AND STEADY...
As a long-time fan of classical music, it was satisfying to see this New York Times article titled "Classical, now without the 300-year delay".
The article is about why classical music has been under-represented in the online revolution to date, and how that is changing.
Specifically, the article describes:
"...a new initiative by the Universal Music Group built on its Deutsche Grammophon and Decca labels...(who are making possible)...digital downloading (of specific classical concerts) via the iTunes Music Store (itunes.com)...
...Although pricing is not final, each live concert will probably cost about $10 to download, less for complete individual works."
On the why this has not happened before, the article explains the one reasons that's often overlooked in the conventional view of seeing the giant music publishing firms as the major foot-draggers in taking their catalogs online:
"The digital marketplace is...stimulating fresh approaches by more traditional music institutions. The New York Philharmonic, in its three-year project with DG Concerts, is taking a financial gamble in the hope of reaching a worldwide audience.
As part of the contract, the Philharmonic members chose a percentage of royalties rather than their usual flat fee up front. The recordings remain the property of the Philharmonic, which has licensed them to Deutsche Grammophon."
It's also about other financial stumbling blocks:
"By servicing orchestras that already have their concerts broadcast on radio, Deutsche Grammophon and Decca avoid studio session costs, which run between $100,000 and $250,000 for major orchestras.
The orchestras involved in the Universal initiative will provide the record companies with edited tape. The labels will do the mastering, prepare the tape for downloading, supply artwork and liner notes to the digital music services, and handle promotion costs."
The entire article is well-worth a read whether or not you're a classical music fan, as it provides some insight into how the obstacles for "venue"-driven performances going online, are slowly going by the way-side (think not just classical music concerts, but theater for example).
It's also a must-read for any one who's interested in specific metrics on how online music downloads are doing vs. their off-line counterpart. Recommended.
Comments