The impact of Australian classical music record labels on the Australian music scene

Hayden, Nicola H. (2009) The impact of Australian classical music record labels on the Australian music scene. Coursework Masters thesis, University of Southern Queensland. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

The impact of Australian classical music record labels on the Australian music scene is investigated in terms of the awareness and development of Australian classical music amongst the musical community, the careers of Australian composers and performers, and the investigation into which particular label is thought to have played the most prominent role in this regard.

A review of those labels currently in production in Australia was undertaken and includes the labels ABC Classics, Australian Eloquence, Jade, Melba Recordings, Move Records, Solitary Island Records, Sydney Symphony, Tall Poppies, Revolve, Vox Australis, and Walsingham Classics. The aims and goals of the various labels are ascertained along with the nature of the catalogues of each label. A comprehensive survey of each catalogue is undertaken with reference to the content of Australian compositions represented on each label. In this regard Tall Poppies label represents the most Australian composers.

A survey of members of the Australian musical community was undertaken in relation to the research aims. Responses were elicited regarding the level of the respondents‘ awareness of the existence of these labels and to measure the impact the labels have had on the respondents‘ knowledge of Australian classical music. In both cases it was confirmed that Australian classical record labels have increased the respondents‘ awareness and appreciation of Australian music.

Composers who have had their works recorded on an Australian record label and performers whose performances have been recorded on such labels were asked to indicate how this experience had helped them in the launching or furthering of their careers. Again both respondent groups largely agreed that this experience was beneficial to them in this regard.

Respondents were further asked from the list of Australian record labels included in the study which label they felt had played the most prominent role in the awareness and development of Australian classical music. ABC Classics was regarded most highly in this instance largely due to the label‘s accessibility to the public through radio broadcast, publicity and marketing. Tall Poppies was next in terms of prominence due to the nature of the label‘s catalogue, its wide range of Australian music and quality of production.

Several issues were commented on that are worthy of consideration including the controversial and subjective nature of music as an art form, regard to who and what is recorded on the labels and the importance of marketing and dissemination of recordings in the community. Also of increasing interest is the emergence of digital music available online and the impact this is having and will have on the future of Australian record labels. The research topic is particularly pertinent given the recent withdrawal of funding from the Australia Council in support of recordings of Australian music on compact disc.
Unfortunately, the Australia Council no longer supports recordings of Australian music on compact disc.

Unfortunately, the Australia Council no longer supports recordings of Australian music on compact disc. (Sculthorpe, P 2008, letter to researcher).


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Item Type: Thesis (Non-Research) (Coursework Masters)
Item Status: Live Archive
Additional Information: Master of Music (coursework Masters) thesis.
Faculty/School / Institute/Centre: Historic - Faculty of Arts - Department of Music (Up to 31 Mar 2011)
Supervisors: Gearing, Phillip; Pingel, Kathy
Date Deposited: 23 Sep 2013 05:55
Last Modified: 23 Sep 2013 05:55
Uncontrolled Keywords: Australia; Australian; classical music; record labels
Fields of Research (2008): 19 Studies in Creative Arts and Writing > 1904 Performing Arts and Creative Writing > 190407 Music Performance
Fields of Research (2020): 36 CREATIVE ARTS AND WRITING > 3603 Music > 360304 Music performance
URI: https://sear.unisq.edu.au/id/eprint/24075

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