Two Against a Thousand: A Comparison of Recorded vs. Live Music
Paul Ghica

Every once in a while, the question surfaces:  "Why should I hire live music when I can buy a CD at a fraction of the price?"  On paper, the solution may seem like a no-brainer.  Live music will almost always have more flaws than a recording.  It will be one more thing to keep track of at an event.  Certainly, live music will also cost more.  For much less than the price of two live musicians, one can buy a CD of Mahler's Symphony of a Thousand. The accountant in all of us screams that live music is a complete waste of money and energy.

Yet, at the highest-profile events, live music is never lacking.  Often, a string quartet will complement the atmosphere at a gala, or a dance band will provide the musical backdrop for two newlyweds' first dance.  Ultimately, the decision to hire live music boils down to one word: exclusivity.

The live music played by violin and cello at the Peninsula daily means that, inevitably, some pieces of music will be repeated.  After all, the repertoire for string duo is not without limit.  Yet, each performance given is unique, much like a chef who may prepare the same meal more than once, but each time with a slight variation in spice or texture.  In this respect, each note is created exclusively for the restaurant patrons there during that time.  There will never again be an identical performance.

Each gala is surrounded by its own unique set of circumstances.  Each wedding features a new couple, hoping this day is exclusively theirs, and distinctive from all other days, or from all other couples' special days.  Live music adds that final touch that confirms its respective event is one of a kind.

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