Richard and Eric discuss a question posed in The New York Times: "What do consumers owe to producers of art?" They wonder if the concept of 'debt' within the artistic framework is plausible, and muse on its potential ramifications. Is it ethical for organizations to purchase used manuscripts, or loan for rehearsals and performances?

"The Gift Economy" is a Choral Contrarian Lost Episode, recorded in Summer, 2024.

Richard and Eric use the recent article "Toward a Gift Economy," composed by Simon Oliver (published July 2024) in the Plough Quarterly, as a springboard to both generally and specifically discuss 'gift' as it relates to a culture, economy, and potentially an artistic organization. Can the concept of a gift economy be leveraged for a more healthy ethic, both personally or culturally? Is it a flaccid, weak ideal, or perhaps a powerful tool that can be utilized in a variety of ways to create sustained health and wellness?

"Toward a Gift Economy":
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.plough.com/en/topics/justice/social-justice/economic-justice/toward-a-gift-economy&ved=2ahUKEwiRjvG1pfSLAxXNj4kEHYrKLcsQFnoECBMQAQ&usg=AOvVaw31tizlUbp2z82nH--SM7Ge

Richard and Eric try to locate the intersection point of emotion and performance. They not only attempt to differentiate the difference between how emotion works for the audience versus performer, but also debate the value and perception of emotion's usefulness as a performer of music. Do we overvalue, or misjudge, emotion in the act of performance?