Piano Forum

Topic: How much do you spend for solo piano scores and another few questions...  (Read 1521 times)

Offline nikolasideris

  • PS Silver Member
  • Jr. Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 81
Ok,

This is a poll of some sort, and a tiny bit of a marketing questionaire... I can't add a poll, by default in this forum, but I do hope to have a better idea of things.

Question 1: How much do you pay for solo piano scores (physical copies) of classical composers (Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, Mozart, etc)?
1a. Between 5-10$.
1b. Between 10-20$
1c. More than 20$

I'd say that for better understanding let's assume we're talking about a collection of pieces, rather than a single piece. So book 1 of Mozart sonatas, NOT a single sonata. The whole of Chopins nocturnes, not a single op.

Question 2: How much do you pay for solo piano scores (physical copies) of contemporary composers (those whose copyrights have not expired, like Messiaen, Ligeti, Schnittke, etc)?
2a. Between 10-20$
2b. Between 20-30$
2c. Between 30-50$
2d. More than 50$

Again, we are talking about a collection of pieces (Ligeti's etudes, or Vingt regard sur L'enfant Jesus) and not individual pieces.

Question 3 (final): Would it be possible to provide links/telephones/address/name (whatever is more convinient) of your favorite music store(s). All those places you go hunting for scores, when you're in a mood?

I've talked around here in Greece, and have a very good idea of what I can/can't do: I can compose, copy, edit, proofread, print and anyways complete a publication of my own music. This includes scores, CDs, and probably DVDs as well. I also know that I can sell my stuff through various music stores here in Greece. But I do need to have a better idea of the outer world. Greek market it tiny and I do know very well that I can't do this alone.

I appreciate all comments, help and feedback.

Nikolas

Offline thalbergmad

  • PS Silver Member
  • Sr. Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 16741
1. Anything up to $600, which was my most absurd purchase
2. $0, because the vast majority of it is worthless
3. I have got a list, but it is at home.

Thal
Curator/Director
Concerto Preservation Society

Offline nikolasideris

  • PS Silver Member
  • Jr. Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 81
1. $600?!?!?!!? Please tell me there was some kind of manuscript attached... (I do know that a working copy of Beethoven's Gross Fugue was sold for $1.6m (price might be a bit off, but either way a huge amount of money).
2. Ouch! In which case, can I approach you further for some truthful comments on my music (if possible that is)
3. Thanks. A list is most welcome! :)

Offline quantum

  • PS Silver Member
  • Sr. Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 6264
1. For the greats I tend to go after performance or scholarly editions.  $20 is around the lower limit.  A lot of them would be less than $50.  Some are more. 
Eg: The Beethoven sonatas I have are divided into 2 volumes.  Each was $40.
Eg: The International version of the Paderewski Chopin Mazurkas is about $80 here (although it wasn't that expensive before they made a change to the North American distribution)

2.  Depends on the publisher.  Some are reasonable, some are not. 
Eg: I've grabbed up some Canadian compositions for under $20.
Eg: Messiaen's Vingt Regard is $100 here.

---

You should look at how much Universities spend on Journal Subscriptions.  Some of them hold price tags like $20,000 per year. 

Made a Liszt. Need new Handel's for Soler panel & Alkan foil. Will Faure Stein on the way to pick up Mendels' sohn. Josquin get Wolfgangs Schu with Clara. Gone Chopin, I'll be Bach

Offline abj

  • PS Silver Member
  • Jr. Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 39
Answer 1: More than $20. The most I have ever paid is $60.

Answer 2: I've never purchased any, but I wouldn't mind paying the same price as any other book if I ever did.

Answer 3: https://music-center-of-san-francisco.ypguides.net/ And I've often purchased online from sheetmusicplus.com or another website.
For more information about this topic, click search below!

Piano Street Magazine:
The Memories of a Piano - 80 Years After the Atomic Bomb

"Akiko's piano" survived the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and has featured in concert performances, films, and special events, conveying its message of peace. Now, 80 years after the bomb killed its owner, it has also participated in the Hiroshima premiere of the play Borrowed Landscape. Read more
 

Logo light pianostreet.com - the website for classical pianists, piano teachers, students and piano music enthusiasts.

Subscribe for unlimited access

Sign up

Follow us

Piano Street Digicert