Is there an average agreed-upon time for exclusive performance/recording of commissioned pieces?
Question by petr b: Is there an average agreed-upon time for exclusive performance/recording of commissioned pieces?
I recall pianist John Browning had exclusive use of the Barber piano concerto for five years. I believe that was an unusually long period for this type of agreement.
What length of time for exclusivity is more usual / expected when it does not involve such highly established and well-known composers and performers? Are there varying time periods for works for larger scale forces, such as orchestral or concerti vs. for a few players, such as chamber music?
Thank you in advance.
Best answer:
Answer by rdenig_male
I think it will entirely depend on the contract between the commissioner and the composer. I can give one example that is greater than that for the Barber, although not strictly a commission. The English composer, Arnold Bax, wrote most of his piano works for his lady ‘squeeze’, Harriet Cohen. Now, Ms Cohen, although a great pianist had a small reach with her fingers and they were additionally webbed, and some of Bax’s concertante works called for wider spread than she was able to manage, being written by Bax for himself without recognizing her limitations. He wrote a set of Symphonic Variations for Piano and Orchestra for her in 1916-1918 for which she insisted on sole rights. However, because of her disabilities the work had to be cut and she played it in this form in 1922. The full score was not heard again until 1962, after her death.
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