AND ITS DRIVING ME NUTS
I can say as a fan of Copeland who came in from the oblique -but surprisingly not uncommon angle- of the Spyro soundtracks as a child, my interest is primarily in Copeland as a composer and the unqique tonal and rhythmic aesthetic of his music. So it may go without saying that the thought of the maestro creating world class orchestral compositions, staging them in one concert hall or another and letting them die with a couple performances is about as upsetting a prospect as anything. Indeed as much an act of sacrilege as it might be to say it, I'd rather hear one of these orchestral works than a Police reunion concert; in my case it is the truth (don't get me wrong though, I love The Police too). And well, I am kind of broke so the idea of flying to see one of these performances is remote. But I suppose ultimately what I cannot wrap my head around is why not record some of these performances? I am not even saying just put it on youtube for free or anything, as digital exclusive releases are becoming increasingly common and the brilliant thing is that you sell exactly as many copies as people want to purchase. Personally I think as a revenue stream it would probably be negligible of course but recording in a concert hall has become trivially affordable by now, so the real question is why not?
When I was 14, out of the goodness of someone on this forum (I've forgotten their name) I came in possession of HB&CM. I would like to thank them at this time, as it has since become the most personal and important music in my life (its terrible libretto notwithstanding). Later on in 2011 I heard the Gamelan D'drum performance and it was nothing short of phenomenal. And with that I can say that if there is any music I feel in desperate need to hear it is Stewart Copeland's orchestral work and it seems by the day the number of works is ramifying and I am not hearing any of it. I need another hit!