I make a very clear distinction between music for the stage and for a recording. These very different presentation forms require different approaches. At first one could think that the distinction is that between art and entertainment, but it's not that simple.

Recorded music is almost always heard in a private context whereas concert music is heard within the context of a presentation. A lot of music which is fun to listen to in a private context renders meaningless on the concert podium. The other way round concert music doesn't always translate to the private context. Especially late romantic music is something which I barely can listen to on a CD. It needs the presentation mode and the theatrical sensation of a huge orchestra to develop its full magic. Also the ritualistic aspect of the audience coming to the venue is of psychologic relevance. On the other hand early renaissance music seems to be made for the CD. The intimacy and delicacy which can easily get lost in the hall transports perfectly on the CD.

But indeed, the art vs. entertainment factor is also applicable. Of course I wouldn't mind if a Kurorchester would take one of my waltzes into their program, but it is not my intent to be represented with these fun pieces on the concert stage. On the other hand there are artistic statements in my electronic pieces which are of quite some importance to me but presenting a tape piece in a concert doesn't work at all.

I feel that this topic of concert vs. recording is of really high relevance in our contemporary music world and very underestimated both from the composers/musicians point of view as well as from the listeners/critics point of view. And personally I'm also not so sure if I can fully grasp yet what this is all about but maybe you get my drift.