How did broadcasting and recording change the audience for concert music?

Broadcasting and recording technologies fundamentally transformed the audience for concert music by shifting the nature of performance, accessibility, and listener expectations.

Impact on Concert Attendance and Expectations

The rise of recordings created a new prerequisite for performers: to attract a live audience, artists often needed to have produced distinguished recordings first. Audiences increasingly consisted of individuals who were already familiar with a performer's work through these recordings. In some cases, the prevalence of high-quality studio recordings made it difficult for performers to compete during live appearances, leading some to fear that the phonograph might cause the demise of the concert hall, relegating live performance to a social rather than a musical necessity.1

Global Reach and Standardization

Broadcasting and recording stimulated concert activity globally, leading to the construction of larger venues and the inclusion of orchestral and chamber music in major festivals. As performers and orchestras began to travel internationally, the standard of execution for live concerts rose significantly, even in provincial towns. This internationalization contributed to a standardization of performance practice, where audiences came to expect high levels of technical accuracy and purity of intonation.23

Evolution of Popular Music Audiences

For popular music, the impact was even more pronounced. Radio and television expanded the global reach of genres like rock and roll, fostering massive, youth-oriented audiences. The ability to record and broadcast music allowed for the development of "Top 40" radio, which transformed radio into a predominantly youth-oriented medium. Furthermore, the success of live performances became increasingly vital for professional musicians as the music industry evolved in the 21st century.24