So we have learned that in order to have a recording of modern concertos one needs a soloist, an orchestra, a conductor, a hall, and funding. In addition, limited audience recordings don't make money. Fine, let's get more specific then. Given the varied experiences and expertise of those on the list, can we answer the following questions? 1. What would be the approximate cost of recording say four modern horn concertos for a CD? 2. How many copies roughly have to be sold to breakeven on CD? 3. How might the breakeven change if the sale is through electronic files rather than pressed CDs? 4. How might the breakeven change if the recordings are authorized live recordings of concert performances so presumably some costs are reduced? 5. Under what conditions do soloists/ orchestras grant permission for release of live performances (such as John Cerminaro's "A Life in Music" or some of Prof Pizka's CDs)? I ask this because some of the recent concertos have certainly been recorded in live performances, but have not been released. 6. Do commissioning organizations (most of the recent horn concertos I know were commissions) ever put aside some of the money for recordings? Has anyone had success is badgering them after the fact for funds so the performances will "live on"? 7. Does the least expensive fully legitimate method of proceding allow one to get to a level where a combination of donations and guaranteed pre-sales gets the job done? 8. If the answer to 7 is yes, is there a way (through IHS or some other forum) to organize such an undertaking? If not, well that's that I guess. Heavier lifting than discussions about Chinese horns, but so be it for those who wish to engage. Note, I must admit the question of why record modern horn concertos surprised me. To me, for the same reason any music is recorded or performed live or composed in the first place, ...so people can hear it. Given some posts, I am tempted for my next recital to hand the audience the music, not play, and tell them it is all in the score. Fewer cracked notes that way. Let's just hope that orchestra managers don't figure out they don't need those pesky musicians around after all.
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