"The classical music market's share of the world-wide music cake is
reported to be still in decline, despite recent boosts from 'crossover'
releases such as James Horner's score for Titanic and the last Three
Tenors album. Figures from the IFPI give classical recordings a
market share of 4.5% in 1997 as compared with 4.8% in 1996 and 5.8%
in 1992."
"One result of this downturn has been to encourage the growth of
independent artist-owned labels catering to niche markets now that
the major companies are cutting back their rosters."
"Online retailing may offer a ray of hope as web-based stores can
offer a much wider range of back catalogue items than most brick and
mortar retailers. "
Brad Leissa, M.D.
Bethesda, Maryland, USA
http://www.intr.net/bleissa