Composition order

The composition commission is a comparatively new form of art sponsorship - especially new music - on the part of a patron or an institution. It consists of “commissioning” a composer to write a new work. A composition commission is often marked with KA in programs or on CDs .

Contrary to popular belief, the composition fee usually paid is not a compensation for the work done on the piece, but the preferential right to be allowed to premiere the composition within a certain (mostly specifically programmed) framework. Therefore, as a rule, no exclusive rights are transferred to the client. Composition commissions from performers are an exception, and they can be contractually guaranteed for a certain period of time for the exclusive performance (usually two to three years). Often the work is also dedicated to the client .

The public service broadcaster awards composition commissions in order to expand one's own repertoire through specific, "radiophonic" music (including radio play music) and to meet media-specific needs. He is following the task of programming future-oriented, "new" works in addition to the presentation of existing works, especially for his own orchestras and events or festivals. Mission and earmarking distinguish it from patronage.

A composition assignment can be assigned for a specific purpose and consist, for example, of writing funeral music for a person or a fanfare for a public event or a piece on a given topic. Usually, however, the composer - apart from a certain instrumentation and a certain length of the piece - is not given any specifications.