How did recordings help Antonio Vivaldi and Johann Sebastian Bach reach larger audiences?

Recordings played a pivotal role in expanding the audiences for the music of Antonio Vivaldi and Johann Sebastian Bach, particularly following the technological advancements of the late 1940s.

The introduction of magnetic recording and the commercially successful long-playing (LP) record allowed smaller companies to record and distribute music that had previously been ignored by major labels. Because Baroque works required fewer musicians than large-scale symphonies, they were more economical to produce, leading to a flood of these recordings in record stores. This accessibility sparked an unprecedented Baroque revival among music lovers.12

As a result of this increased availability:
* Antonio Vivaldi: His concerts began selling out as his instrumental works reached a wider public.1
* Johann Sebastian Bach: His music became a best seller, significantly broadening his reach beyond historical or academic interest.1

Additionally, the phonograph served as an essential educational tool, allowing students and laymen to hear music written for instruments like the harpsichord and lute, further cementing the popularity of these composers.2