[mb-style] Composition/Performer/Production ARs at Release or Track level?

[David K. Gasaway]

On 2 Jan 2008 at 11:02, Brian Schweitzer wrote:

> Just
> seems cleaner if we decide it all here, rather than leaving part of the
> debate to be less-cleanly decided in edit notes later.  :)

While we're at it, I'd like to add:  If an editor finds evidence to 
support track-level ARs, that should not be sufficient justification to 
reject pending release-level ARs.  Unless said editor has already made 
the effort to add the track-level ARs, of course.

I ask for this because of some unfortunate recent "no" votes (connected 
to these recent discussions, no doubt) that punished an editor for 
entering release-level ARs that were strictly correct (assuming 
viewpoint #2).  Under viewpoint #2, we now have a situation where the 
release-level ARs are correct, but track-level ARs are *more* correct.  
In neither case should the ARs be rejected.

To understand why this point is critical, consider an opera.  A full 
opera typically spans multiple discs with shorter-than-average tracks.  
Any particular track can involve anywhere from a single principal 
(recitative) to an ensemble with multiple principals, orchestra, 
chorus, conductor, instrumental soloist, etc.  Even given more-or-less 
complete information about what principals perform on each segment, it 
can still be extremely time-consuming to map all the various arias, 
choruses, and recitatives to roles; then segments to tracks; then roles 
to performers; then performers to tracks.

[Somewhat offtopic:] Sheer effort aside, I think the larger classical 
works should be given special consideration on account of their unique 
nature.  A recording of an opera is not a performance of _tracks_ by 
different combinations of _individuals_, but rather a performance of a 
single _work_ by a consistent ensemble _cast_.  In fact, ridiculous as 
it may seem, I'd find it factually correct to create a collaboration 
artist from the principals.  Not that I'd ever actually suggest it! :P  

I just ask that those of us toiling over the larger classical works be 
permitted to enter performance credits at the release level.  I have 
all the respect in the world for anyone willing to tackle track ARs for 
an opera/oratorio/cantata/etc., but some of us just don't have the time 
or stamina. :)

-- 
-:-:- David K. Gasaway
-:-:- Email: dave at gasaway.org
-:-:- Web: dave.gasaway.org
-:-:- MusicBrainz: dkg