ArtsWatch

Universal is getting into the management business. Universal Classics and Jazz, the very big label, announced the creation of Universal Music Classical Artists Management and Productions, the Times reports today.
Smart business decision, no doubt. But will Universal pressure its recording artists to sign with its management company? Will artists who haven't signed feel that their recordings aren't getting the kind of promotion as those who have signed with the management arm? Will CAMI respond by starting up a recording company?
Universal gets operating efficiencies and moves one step closer to monopoly - they already own a third of the classical recording market. But what's in it for artists such as Lang Lang and Hilary Hahn?
The story in The Times today doesn't raise these questions, but I'm sure all classical artists and their handlers are wondering that the implications will be.