GMG classical music box-set

[Henk]

I don't know if this is realistic, but I have this idea:

We can compile a GMG box-set consisting of works and different styles with our favorite perfomances with the goal of making it easier for people to discover classical music. With the box-set people can get some basic knowledge of classical music. The difference with existing, similar box-set is that this GMG box set is compiled by a group of independent dedicated listeners, and it will be label-independent, so it covers very much of classical recorded music (I mean by this a selection is made of a large amount of recordings), and there is a certain guarantee of quality.

The reason why such a box-set isn't on the market yet (as far a I know) is because the initiative normally is taken by labels and it's always commercial. Labels don't cooperate on such kind of thing.

When a third party (GMG), with no commercial interest, takes the initiative labels may have interest to cooperate. The market for classical music really is not very much accessible for people. This initiative can make it more accessible for people. So it will be interesting for labels I think. It also will be highly advertising for labels.

What do you think of the idea?

[Opus106]

Isn't there already a suitcase somewhere?

[Henk]

As an individual such an idea has no chance. But as a organized group of listeners it really can be successful I think.

We don't have to earn money with it. The profit can go to the labels and to charity. But we have to organize the fabrication of it I think, all we have to do is give order to a company which produce cd's. The booklet can be written by us, so it will get the GMG character. Distribution can be organized quite easily I expect.

[Henk]

The charity element can be to offer the box to young people for a low price. Young people can get interested in classical music, but can't afford to buy a lot of recordings.

[Henk]

Proposal for the content of the box set:

14 discs:
- discs 1-6: classical music from early music till 19th century
- discs 7-8: opera
- disc 9-11: romantic music from Liszt to Sibelius
- discs 12-14: modern classical music from Debussy to contemporary music

I think it would be nice to have some complete works in the box set, but also we can choose to put just a movement of a work on it (so we can do both: and complete works and just movements of works), to save space and if people like it they can get the complete work themselves. Of course also short works can be selected.

[Henk]

I really like to organize this. But I need support from the GMG community! So it would be nice if people here are enthusiastic about it.

If the plan is likely to fail, I can see why members here aren't enthusiastic. But I can't see why it won't work. I tried to explain why this project can become a success. I hope that members are enthusiastic at least about the goal of the project and I honestly can't believe members aren't. So let me know. And if you think the plan is likely to fail, let me know also.

I can write a letter which I can send to the labels to inform them about the idea and to ask if they are willing to cooperate. But first I want to discuss the plan here. The second step is to write the letter and I can need some help with this (let people read it so they can do suggestions for improvement).

If labels are willing to cooperate the project can really start.

Henk

[Brahmsian]

I love the idea, Henk.  However, I believe David Ross already started such a thread.  Now, in terms of sending the idea to a label, I don't think we went so far yet. 

[Henk]

How would the labels respond? It's good to be prepared on this, to be able to anticipate. I also can first contact a label by phone to inform myself about this.

[Brahmsian]

I also can first contact a label by phone to inform myself about this.

This may be a good first step, Henk.

[Opus106]

Isn't there already a suitcase somewhere?

However, I believe David Ross already started such a thread.

It turned out to be a briefcase, actually.

[Bulldog]

I don't know if this is realistic, but I have this idea:

We can compile a GMG box-set consisting of works and different styles with our favorite perfomances with the goal of making it easier for people to discover classical music. With the box-set people can get some basic knowledge of classical music. The difference with existing, similar box-set is that this GMG box set is compiled by a group of independent dedicated listeners, and it will be label-independent, so it covers very much of classical recorded music (I mean by this a selection is made of a large amount of recordings), and there is a certain guarantee of quality.

The reason why such a box-set isn't on the market yet (as far a I know) is because the initiative normally is taken by labels and it's always commercial. Labels don't cooperate on such kind of thing.

When a third party (GMG), with no commercial interest, takes the initiative labels may have interest to cooperate. The market for classical music really is not very much accessible for people. This initiative can make it more accessible for people. So it will be interesting for labels I think. It also will be highly advertising for labels.

What do you think of the idea?

Not much.

[Sergeant Rock]

What do you think of the idea?

I think you live in an alternative universe and have absolutely no idea how reality works in this one 

Sarge

[Scarpia]

I don't know if this is realistic, but I have this idea:

We can compile a GMG box-set consisting of works and different styles with our favorite perfomances with the goal of making it easier for people to discover classical music. With the box-set people can get some basic knowledge of classical music. The difference with existing, similar box-set is that this GMG box set is compiled by a group of independent dedicated listeners, and it will be label-independent, so it covers very much of classical recorded music (I mean by this a selection is made of a large amount of recordings), and there is a certain guarantee of quality.

The reason why such a box-set isn't on the market yet (as far a I know) is because the initiative normally is taken by labels and it's always commercial. Labels don't cooperate on such kind of thing.

When a third party (GMG), with no commercial interest, takes the initiative labels may have interest to cooperate. The market for classical music really is not very much accessible for people. This initiative can make it more accessible for people. So it will be interesting for labels I think. It also will be highly advertising for labels.

What do you think of the idea?

It has been done many times by many labels, and I don't see added value from having people who happen to visit a discussion board.   DG has an "Entree" series which has just this purpose.

http://www.deutschegrammophon.com/series/?ID=ENTREX

[Bulldog]

Proposal for the content of the box set:

14 discs:
- discs 1-6: classical music from early music till 19th century
- discs 7-8: opera
- disc 9-11: romantic music from Liszt to Sibelius
- discs 12-14: modern classical music from Debussy to contemporary music

I think it would be nice to have some complete works in the box set, but also we can choose to put just a movement of a work on it (so we can do both: and complete works and just movements of works), to save space and if people like it they can get the complete work themselves. Of course also short works can be selected.

Two parts of the proposal that I think are poor:

1.  14 discs is way too low a number.

2.  Movements from a complete work just sounds like an abortion to me.

[Bulldog]

My previous two postings were dismissive about this project; that's because my initial reaction to any group project is negative.  After having some time to think about it, I'd be happy to contribute.

Concerning the total number of discs in this box, I think it's best to not have any particular number in mind and just develop the box and see how it turns out. 

I do maintain my objection to bits/pieces of complete works.

One more thing - wouldn't there be some costs associated with the project?  Who pays?

[Bulldog]

It has been done many times by many labels, and I don't see added value from having people who happen to visit a discussion board.   DG has an "Entree" series which has just this purpose.

http://www.deutschegrammophon.com/series/?ID=ENTREX

Yes, but all recordings would be within the domain of one label.  The world of classical recordings is much greater than any one label (even a huge one like DGG).

[Verena]

My previous two postings were dismissive about this project; that's because my initial reaction to any group project is negative.  After having some time to think about it, I'd be happy to contribute.

Concerning the total number of discs in this box, I think it's best to not have any particular number in mind and just develop the box and see how it turns out. 

I do maintain my objection to bits/pieces of complete works.

One more thing - wouldn't there be some costs associated with the project?  Who pays?

I don't agree here (heretically   ). I think it is an excellent idea to occasionally include parts of complete works only.
For two reasons: 1) starting with "highlights"    can be the only way to acquire some kind of appreciation for the music and, ultimately and over time perhaps also for the work as a whole
- A kind of extreme example of this:  I just hate (sorry..) much of the Ring (I think the lyrics are terrible and large stretches of the music are boring to my ears ..) but I greatly enjoy individual "moments"  - why should I sit through the whole cycle in order to enjoy the pieces I really like? Perhaps I miss something if I don't listen to the whole composition (and I surely do!) - but I don't miss what I may be missing..
2) There are some works I can think of where individual movements or individual works in a larger cycle are much more "beautiful" to my ears than others - there are even symphonies where I simply cannot enjoy the whole work, whereas individual movements may be deeply touching
Again, I may not really get some kind of deeper understanding of the relevant works if I only pick out the cherries, but I don't wanna understand them, I wanna enjoy, and I do ..

[Scarpia]

Yes, but all recordings would be within the domain of one label.  The world of classical recordings is much greater than any one label (even a huge one like DGG).

You really think that a person new to classical music will be impacted by this limitation?   Their appreciation for classical music will be negatively impacted by the fact that they have Trevor Pinnock's Brandenburg Concerto No 2, rather than some version on an obscure French record label that someone on GMG swears is superior, or that they'll be stuck with Garilov's Goldberg variations instead of your personal favorite out of 371 recordings?  Get real!

Finally, if you look at that entree series, it is a wonderful selection of music.  They also have a "Panorama" series which lets the buyer focus on a specific composer that might have attracted their attention.  There are lots of other choices from other companies, such as the Brilliant Classics 75 CD set of "best 1000" of the EMI classics "best 100" series, etc, etc, etc.   And with youtube, who needs an introductory box set anyway?  All you need is a list.

[Bulldog]

Finally, if you look at that entree series, it is a wonderful selection of music.  They also have a "Panorama" series which lets the buyer focus on a specific composer that might have attracted their attention.  There are lots of other choices from other companies, such as the Brilliant Classics 75 CD set of "best 1000" of the EMI classics "best 100" series, etc, etc, etc.   And with youtube, who needs an introductory box set anyway?  All you need is a list.

In my mind, this has nothing to do with need, but with having some fun and putting out a good product.

Are you on board?

And where's the guy who started this thread?  Having to be the brains of the operation, Henk has to be on call at all times and push toward the finish line.

[Brahmsian]

2.  Movements from a complete work just sounds like an abortion to me.

Perhaps, but it might not for someone new or relatively new to classical.