A&R – the alpha and omega of Compofactur
A&R = Artists & Repertoire. Our creed is: the right artist with the right repertoire at the right time. This may sound like an empty phrase from a schoolmaster’s point of view, but ask yourself: What are we talking about? This, admittedly, is a very complex issue, but at least a few ideas are permitted.
»As to choice in the study of your pieces, ask the advice of more experienced persons than yourself; by so doing, you will save much time.«
Robert Schumann (1810–1856)
Compofactur offers you advice from the very start of your career in order to give you the best of chances in the music industry.
»Never help to circulate bad compositions; on the contrary, help to suppress them with earnestness.«
Robert Schumann
Many artists in the world of classical music have an unerring instinct for a repertoire that suits them. But others are not so sure, especially those who are still at the very start of their careers.
»Endeavour to play easy pieces well and with elegance; that is better than to play difficult pieces badly.«
Robert Schumann
That may sound strange, but it is entirely possible to make a recording too soon or even too late or record the wrong repertoire. If you want a career in the recording industry, you should really plan it carefully and have an open ear for impulses.
»Play from the soul, not like a trained bird! A keyboardist of such stamp deserves more praise than other musicians.«
Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach (1714–1788)
There are plenty off-the-shelf concepts, ranging from anniversaries of composers to world-premiere recordings of repertoire rarities, and they are entirely justified. Having said this does the marketplace need your Mozart album just only because ›all the other ones‹ are doing Mozart in a Mozart Year?
»To play a wrong note is insignificant; to play without passion is inexcusable.«
attr. to Ludwig van Beethoven
In any case, for performing artists true artistic inspiration comes from the inside out and not from the outer material world (e.g. original manuscripts, early prints, restored or reconstructed instruments). Creative imagination is necessary.
»If you make music but you don’t have the emotion to move people, what’s the point?«
Ivry Gitlis (1922–2020)
Compofactur offers help with the development of your own repertoire strategy and finds the repertoire that suits you perfectly.
»Look deeply into life, and study it as diligently as the other arts and sciences.«
Robert Schumann
And when you are really sure about your repertoire, Compofactur can help with the planning and realisation of the recording.
»Without enthusiasm nothing great can be effected in art.«
Robert Schumann
But repertoire is by far not all. Success in the recorded music market requires a charismatic personality and another aspect that became more important over the last 20 years. One could describe it with A&M. But what does this mean exactly? If you are interested and would like to obtain more information, please do not hesitate to contact us by eMail or telephone.