On-demand program revives out-of-print discs

NEW YORK (Billboard) - Classical fans are used to frustrating searches for albums that have long gone out of print. Those days may be over.

ArkivMusic.com has agreements with all four major-label groups -- Universal Classics, EMI Classics, Sony BMG Masterworks and Warner Classics -- as well as two dozen indie labels to produce discs on demand under the ArkivCD program.

These titles include sets with massive booklets, such as operas with lengthy libretto texts and translations. By year's end, about 5,000 such titles will be available.

Reuters/Billboard