Beginning with the 2007-2008 season, Maestro Wilson will write a column on this page and in the hardcopy program for each concert - a total of five for the season.  His topics will be more specific and incisive than in the past and are sure to provoke stimulating thought about the many aspects of music.  Each column will be published at least a month before each concert, so keep checking this web site for updates.

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Posted Aug 8, 2007

The Classical Recording Industry in Transition

             In February, 2005, the Chamber Orchestra of the Springs joined with the Pikes Peak Ringers to premiere and record a first-of-its-kind concerto for hand bell ensemble and orchestra.  Kevin McChesney’s new score was exhilarating and original, our musicians performed admirably, and the recording sessions were productive.  The final product is a recorded debut of this wonderful piece that is both accurate and inspired.  This was also something of a revolution.

            From time to time we’ve discussed the Classical recording industry, its wild ride, and our little place within it.  Over the years, we’ve been surprisingly accurate in predicting where the roller coaster would take us next.  So, is the rapid collapse of the traditional record store a harbinger of doom for Classical music?  Hardly.

            One of my favorite websites, ArkivMusic.com, is quickly becoming the major distributor of Classical recordings.  As I write this, Arkiv carries 214 recordings of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony.  214!  How would someone wading into the Classical pool know where to begin?  With numbers like that, is it any surprise Classical recording is in a state of confusion?

            The recording industry counts its sales in myopic fashion, focusing on sales of “songs” with a little bit of interest in “albums.”  What, exactly, counts as a “song?”  Does Beethoven’s Ninth, which takes up an entire CD, count as a single song?  In some cases, yes.  Does one movement count as a song?  Yes.  And, of course, all 214 recordings of Beethoven’s Ninth are counted separately, which guarantees that Classical music will be marginalized in weekly sales figures.

            The real numbers, however, look far different.  While all CD sales have dropped 20% in favor of online purchase, Classical music is capturing a larger portion of online sales.  Overall Classical sales increased 22%.  Major distributors are taking note, realizing that Classical music fans forego illegal “swapping” and actually pay for their music.

            The digital age promises to cheaply preserve a huge number of old and new recordings, so we can expect the number of choices to rise.  (Yes, that means 500 or more recordings of Beethoven’s Ninth.)  The low cost internet distribution will enable a larger number of artists to distribute unique performances and new music.  Big recording labels are already cutting back dramatically and will continue to do so, but smaller labels and individuals are already stepping up.

            For orchestras, the major change is the disappearance of the major-label recording contract.  Orchestras around the world are launching their own labels, taking control of their recorded legacies.  Even the Chicago Symphony, winner of more Grammys than any other ensemble, recently released their first home-grown recording of Mahler’s Third Symphony.

            My advice is to fasten your seatbelt and prepare for a very creative ride.  The situation isn’t likely to settle any time soon, but the new world of Classical recording will be one that rewards innovation and creativity.

            The Chamber Orchestra of the Springs recently recorded a CD to market our group within our community, and we’re looking at other original projects that will accomplish unique goals.  We may not be a major force in Classical recording, but it’s nice to know the “major” orchestras are finally catching up.

-- Thomas Wilson

 August 8, 2007

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Previous columns may be reviewed at the following links, listed by concert dates:

Oct 6 & 7, 2007 - The Classical Recording Industry in Transition                                                            Nov 10 & 11, 2007 - Investing in People                                                                                                Jan 19 & 20, 2008 - Join the (Friendly) Fight against “The Wallpaper Effect”                                               Feb 16 & 17, 2008 - The Dance of Love