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Why doesn't the Berlin Philharmonic record?

I lived in Berlin from 1989 to 1990 and attended concerts of the Philharmonic about three times a week. I do not speak German, but some friends gave me the synopsis... Sometime that year, THE manager of the Berlin Philharmonic signed an exclusive recording contract (for which he received a large sum of money) with Sony without consulting the members of the orchestra. I remember hearing about the newspapers shaming him for the sellout. The orchestra members felt very strongly about their relationship with DG. As a result, the entire orchestra refused to record for Sony, and to this day, I would assume Sony continues to hold the Philharmonic to the contract since there are no Philharmonic recordings. Does anyone know how long the contract was? And, what ever happened to the manager? Wouldn't it be nice if Sony released the Philharmonic?
daviddavid72
4 responses Add your response
prcinka
366 posts
 
I do not know, but they are signed elsewhere too..
http://www.nt2099.com/J-ENT/news/europe/emi-classics-and-the-berliner-philharmoniker-renew-contract/
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uru975
684 posts
 
Was unaware of the reason given, but in order to keep an artist, wheather an orchestra, singer, etc. most contracts have a clause that says for the duration of the contract they must perform so much or do such and such for whoever the contract was agreed with or they can not work for anyone. This serves to keep people and organizations from ditching one company for another for more money. Once it's over anyone can contract with them.
daviddavid72 OP
3 posts
 
Seems like the Sony contract finally expired....
dave_b's avatar
dave_b
3,159 posts
 
They have recorded for various labels since the mid-'90's:O)
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