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For years the critic Norman Lebrecht bestrode the classical music world inspiring fear, loathing and respect in those whose careers he could push out of joint with a few acerbic words from his pen or broadcast on his BBC radio programme.
Now, however, Lebrecht faces a fall from grace after losing a defamation battle with Klaus Heymann, the head of Naxos, the largest independent classical record label.
This week the publisher Penguin agreed to pulp all copies of a book by Lebrecht which criticised Mr Heymann.
The book, Maestros, Masterpieces and Madness: The Secret Life and Shameful Death of the Classical Record Industry, accused Mr Heymann of paying eastern European musicians a pittance, while using the proceeds to build an estate in New Zealand.
It said the 7.6ha property in east Auckland was at Mellons Bay overlooking Tamaki Strait, and had three houses, stables, staff cottages and panoramic ocean views.
Mr Heymann was based in Hong Kong and used the home mainly for holidays, it said.
The book also claimed Mr Heymann fired artists who asked for better terms.
Naxos, which sells classical music CDs for less than £10 ($26), has been criticised inthe past for poor-quality recordings andthe use of cheap musicians. On the other hand, the label has been praised for bringing classical music to the masses. Mr Heymann said that the five pages on Naxos contained 15 to 20 errors, four of which were libellous.
In the London High Court last week Penguin capitulated. A statement said: "Penguin Books accepts that there is nothing what-soever behind any suggestion of business malpractice on the part of Mr Heymann."The publisher also apologised and agreed to pay damages.
The agreement, however, does not affect the US publication of the book by Random House. Mr Heymann said yesterday that he would also seek its withdrawal, adding: "The book made me look like a shit, so something had to be done."
- Independent
