Back catalogue: Classical

Review: In 2018, three-time Grammy Award-winning violinist Hilary Hahn returned to classical label-behemoth Deutsche Grammophon (her usual) for an official album of interpretations of J.S. Bach's violin concertos, in collaboration with Jeffery Kahane and the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra. The much-celebrated fiddler laid down a stunning, full rendition of the concertos, all recorded at the Colburn School Of Performing Arts and which added to her huge repertoire. This stealth reissue from the classical music giant bolsters Hahn's rep once more.

Review: Continuing his lengthy tour of JS Bach's works, Vikingur Olafsson shares his next mini-album: a recording of several Bach 'singles' - that's individual pieces rather than 45s - performed live at Reykjavik's Harpa concert hall in January 2024. Building on his deep-rooted passion for the works of the pioneering German composer, the classically trained Olafsson lends his own subtleties to four of Bach's cantatas, as well as two further sacred songs, amounting to a more than touching suite. Chief among these in our estimation is 'Komm, suBer Tod, komm selge Ruh' ('Come, sweet death, come, blessed rest'), which was likely written by Bach in the twilight of his life: the theme alone is morbid and tearjerking enough, yet Olafsson's dexter Icelandic hands bring a trademark coldness, an exactness, that only he could summon.

Review: After a six-year hiatus, acclaimed pianist Zhu Xiao-Mei returns with a personal and truly masterful recording of J.S. Bach's English Suites which completes her journey through Bach's piano works. This release marks a milestone in her extraordinary career and reflects years of preparation and a deep, daily relationship with Bach's music. Zhu Xiao-Mei's interpretation reveals the suites' rich subtleties and timeless essence, all of which are shaped by her dedication to living closely with each piece. Despite pandemic challenges and a meticulous search for the perfect piano, this recording captures her authenticity and the wonderfully contemplative nature of Bach's music.

Review: Deutsche Grammophon's celebration of its 125th birthday takes audiophiles on a sonic journey with the release of The Original Source series. Rafael Kubelik's interpretation of Bela Bartok's Concerto for Orchestra, recorded with the Boston Symphony Orchestra in 1973, stands out as a timeless gem. Remastered at Emil Berliner Studios in 100% analog quality, the result is astounding. The audiophile vinyl edition, pressed on 180g records and housed in deluxe gatefold packaging, offers an unparalleled listening experience. With enhanced clarity, subtleties, and frequency response, Kubelik's relaxed yet precise rendition shines anew. Background noise, distortion and compression are minimised, allowing Bartok's vibrant orchestrations to captivate with newfound brilliance. Accompanied by original covers, lyrics, and additional archival materials, each numbered copy becomes a cherished collector's item. The meticulous attention to detail, coupled with the technical prowess behind the remastering process, ensures that listeners can relish in the full glory of Kubelik's enduring interpretation for years to come.

Review: Andrea Bocelli's remastered edition of Sogno brings renewed clarity to this 1999 classic. The album showcases his powerful tenor voice across a selection of operatic and pop-influenced tracks that blend emotional depth with exceptional vocal performance. Highlights include the stirring 'Canto Della Terra,' the heartfelt 'Vivo Per Lei,' and the soaring title track. The remastering enhances the lush orchestration and vibrant detail making each note and nuance more vivid while Bocelli's emotive delivery, combined with the refined sound quality, makes this one essential for both longtime fans and new listeners.

Review: Originally released in 1997, Andrea Bocelli's remastered Romanza album is a resplendent showcase of his remarkable tenor. This reissue revitalises the iconic tracks with enhanced audio clarity that captures the lush orchestration and emotional depth of Bocelli's performance. Highlights include the stirring 'Con Te Partiro,' the haunting 'Vivo Per Lei,' and the passionate 'La Luna Che Non C'e', all of which are ripe with Bocelli's rich tones and dynamic range. Romanza is one of many great works from this classical mainstay and it has never sounded better than this.

Review: This recording of the Philadelphia Orchestra performing Sergei Prokofiev's 1936 story and orchestral score Peter and the Wolf was recorded in 1977 and was originally released in 1978. The role of the narrator on the recording was initially offered to both Peter Ustinov and Alec Guinness who both turned it down, before David Bowie agreed to take on the role, supposedly as a Christmas present to his son. On the B-side is another equally as charming piece of recent classical history, Benjamin Britten's Young Person's Guide To The Orchestra as narrated by Hugh Downs.

Review: Claudio Abbado and the Vienna Philharmonic's inaugural joint recording of Brahms's Symphony No. 1 in 1972 holds a significant place in both their discographies for its exceptional interpretation and sound quality. To commemorate Deutsche Grammophon's 125th anniversary, they launched The Original Source vinyl series, presenting legendary 1970s recordings in unprecedented sonic clarity. Remastered at the renowned Emil Berliner Studios from original four-track tapes using cutting-edge analogue technologies, these limited and numbered 180g vinyl editions boast enhanced clarity, subtleties, and frequency response. Each deluxe gatefold edition includes original covers, lyrics, additional photos, recording logs and technical insights.

Review: To mark Anton Bruckner's bicentenary in 2024, Deutsche Grammophon releases a limited and numbered audiophile vinyl edition of Herbert von Karajan's famous recordings of the complete symphony cycle with the Berliner Philharmoniker, on 17 LPs. All recordings have been newly mastered and mixed by Rainer Maillard and Sidney C. Meyer from Emil Berliner Studios: Symphonies Nos. 4-7 (analogue recordings from 1975-1979), based on 8-track material were treated according to the Original Source Series standards. Symphonies Nos. 1, 2 & 3 are digital recordings from 1980 and 1981 and have also been newly mastered and cut by the same team at EBS, optimizing the sound by utilising new bespoke analogue-to-digital-to-analogue conversion technologies and using a tube-based mixing console from 1960. The 17xLP set is housed in a slipcase with O-card, with eight 2xLP gatefolds (Symphonies Nos. 2- 9) and one single sleeve (Symphony No. 1) presented in a sleeve (1 LP), with artwork based on the respective original releases including liner notes and with additional material including recording documentation and photos.

Review: Sir Simon Rattle and the Berlin Philharmonic are at the pinnacle of classical music and are renowned for their stellar recordings. Rattle's tenure with the orchestra has been marked by mutual growth and exceptional performances and this 2012 recording of Bruckner's 9th Symphony, featuring the 'Four Movement Version', showcases their unparalleled musicianship. The performance of the original three movements is particularly noteworthy, highlighting Rattle's ability to evoke the grandeur of Furtwangler and Karajan while adding his unique interpretive touch. Despite the symphony's unfinished fourth movement, the recording's excellence makes it essential listening, with the orchestra delivering a breathtaking performance.

Review: Maurizio Pollini's new release marks his 70th birthday with a collection of Chopin's works, including the 24 Preludes Op. 28, the two Op. 27 Nocturnes, and the Second Scherzo. Notably, the inclusion of the four Op. 30 Mazurkas, previously absent from Pollini's discography, unveils an unexpected affinity for this genre. The Mazurkas are particularly revealing: Pollini's interpretation of the D-flat No. 3 exhibits dynamic accents and rhythmic vitality, while his voicings in No. 4's left-hand chords reflect a keen imaginative touch. Such elements suggest a promising future for a more extensive Mazurka exploration in Pollini's future recordings. The decision to revisit the Op. 27 Nocturnes, previously recorded in 2005, may seem puzzling. The earlier rendition of the D-flat major Nocturne offers a more fluid right-hand melody compared to the newer, stiffer version. Conversely, the C-sharp minor Nocturne benefits from a more defined presentation of its left-hand ostinatos in the new recording. The Second Scherzo, now nearly a minute shorter than its 1990 counterpart, is more compact and precise, with pronounced dynamic contrasts enhancing the outer sections. However, the Trio's leggiero passagework, once vibrant, now appears more generalised, possibly due to the recording's resonant ambience at the Herkulessaal in Munich. Pollini's latest Preludes suggest a more austere interpretation than his acclaimed 1974 recording. While the earlier Preludes feature varied textures and nuanced articulations, the new versions reveal a less flexible approach, with notable differences in the handling of arpeggios and rhythmic accents. Nevertheless, the new Nos. 13 and 15 stand out for their robust left-hand presence and vibrant tempos. The final Prelude's resonant D-naturals, sustained with pedal, contrast with the earlier version's clarity, highlighting Pollini's willingness to explore different interpretative avenues. Although this recording presents compelling elements, Pollini's 1974 Chopin Preludes remain a more consistent experience overall. Yet, this release demonstrates Pollini's commitment to continual artistic evolution, refusing to rest on past achievements as he enters his eighth decade

Review: Vincenzo Maltempo's new recording of Chopin's Complete Nocturnes promises to captivate pianophiles by offering a fresh perspective on such timeless works. Drawing from the traditions of the 'Golden Piano Age', Maltempo approaches the Nocturnes as dramatic tone poems and blends rhetorical artistry with Belcanto-inspired expression. His interpretation is enriched by the use of an 1888 Steinway grand piano which is known for its exceptional dynamic range and lyrical tone. It captures the atmospheric stillness and resonance essential to Chopin's music perfectly.

Review: Widely acclaimed mezzo-soprano and two-time Grammy winner Sasha Cooke's debut album Poeme de la L'Amour et de la Mer 4 is a perfect example of what makes her so popular. Fabulous stage presence, fine vocal range and an emotional allure that really draws you in. The record is fabulously epic and over the top which Cooke deals with well. Her voice rides over Chausson's churning Symbolist score in a bewitching fashion. This special 180 gram heavyweight vinyl version is the best way to experience the record, which comes in just three separate pieces, each of which makes for a unique listen.

Review: Alice Sara Ott is a German-Japanese pianist and her new album finds her sinking herself down deep into the world of John Field, the creator of the beloved 'Nocturne' sound. The Nocturne is a widely cherished musical form yet its creator remains largely unknown today. An Irish composer who lived during Beethoven's time, Field's work profoundly influenced Chopin and generations of musicians since and with this album, Ott highlights Field's historical significance as well as offering up a standing album full of merit. It is a great way to get into the origins of the Nocturne."

Review: Alexander Gibson's Gounod: Faust Ballet Music finds him conducting the Royal Opera House Orchestra, Covent Garden. They are performing ballet music from Charles Gounod's Faust and Georges Bizet's Carmen Suite and amongst the suite of songs are plenty of highlights. Side 2 in particular is packed with some terrifically moving pieces that are recorded with great clarity and transparency. For this album, Analogue Productions decided to press from Bernie Grundman parts that have before been used for an earlier Classic Records edition.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***


Austrian conductor Herbert von Karajan is a famous interpreter of not only Gustav Mahler but many other classical music composers and his many stints with the Berlin Philharmonic orchestra make up only one small part of his conductive retinue. Though it was Mahler's ninth that really made Karajan's name, this lesser-heard work documents another expressionistic interpellation by the maestro, whose handling of the suite's musicological contexts (incorporating directive elements from Mahler's influences, from Berg to Webern), and Scherzo style, is performed with phenomenal ease. Brasses resound brilliantly and brightly, and singer Christa Ludwig gives a stellar rendition of Mahler's concluding five lieder (art songs).

Review: Austrian conductor Herbert von Karajan is a famous interpreter of not only Gustav Mahler but many other classical music composers and his many stints with the Berlin Philharmonic orchestra make up only one small part of his conductive retinue. Though it was Mahler's ninth that really made Karajan's name, this lesser-heard work documents another expressionistic interpellation by the maestro, whose handling of the suite's musicological contexts (incorporating directive elements from Mahler's influences, from Berg to Webern), and Scherzo style, is performed with phenomenal ease. Brasses resound brilliantly and brightly, and singer Christa Ludwig gives a stellar rendition of Mahler's concluding five lieder (art songs).

Review: Few conductors have been as closely associated with the works of Gustav Mahler as Sir Simon Rattle, Here, the British maestro leads the world famous Berliner Philharmoniker in a rendition of Symphony 5, which itself is one of the most renowned pieces in Mahler's oeuvre. The first instrumental he composed since his Symphony No. 1, it's a powerful audio odyssey here performed flawlessly for Rattle's first ever concert as principal conductor of Berlin's prestigious orchestra. Comprising five movements, each packs its own unique personality. At times lighter than air, in other moments packing a subdued depth, pomp and pageantry, and epic drama ('Trauermarsch. In Gemessenen Schritt. Streng. Wie Ein Kondukt'), you could argue this showcases the breadth of classical in one stunning experience, but that might be stating the obvious.

Review: Spring has sprung, and for many, Vivaldi's original 'Spring' composition might have just as quickly sprung into the minds of most classical heads. But perhaps most of y'all didn't see this one coming. We were bowled over on hearing news of Max Richter's electronic recompositions of Vivaldi's 'Seasons' 10 years ago; there hadn't been a proper vogue for electronic resources of classical music since Wendy Carlos did 'Switched-On Bach'. Now it gets another 'alternative rendering' (keyword: rendering); performed by an ensemble that almost entirely consists of Black, Asian and ethnically diverse musicians, we hear yet another futuristic take on a stone cold classic, with Richter himself playing a vintage '70s Moog.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***


Silva Screen Records continues their vast compilation project here with another tribute to the late Ryuichi Sakamoto, the legendary former member of Yellow Magic Orchestra who passed not so long ago. They have pressed this one up to various formats and this is a gatefold transparent lime green and black splattered vinyl from the acclaimed film scorer. He wrote for epics such as Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence, The Sheltering Sky and The Last Emperor. This album takes in plenty of the most standout tracks from those movies, all performed by the Brussels Philharmonic and conducted by Dirk Brosse.

Review: Silva Screen Records continues their vast compilation project here with another tribute to the late Ryuichi Sakamoto, the legendary former member of Yellow Magic Orchestra who passed not so long ago. They have pressed this one up to various formats and this is a gatefold transparent lime green and black splattered vinyl from the acclaimed film scorer. He wrote for epics such as Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence, The Sheltering Sky and The Last Emperor. This album takes in plenty of the most standout tracks from those movies, all performed by the Brussels Philharmonic and conducted by Dirk Brosse.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***


Silva Screen Records continues their vast compilation project here with another tribute to the late Ryuichi Sakamoto, the legendary former member of Yellow Magic Orchestra who passed not so long ago. They have pressed this one up to various formats and this is a gatefold transparent lime green and black splattered vinyl from the acclaimed film scorer. He wrote for epics such as Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence, The Sheltering Sky and The Last Emperor. This album takes in plenty of the most standout tracks from those movies, all performed by the Brussels Philharmonic and conducted by Dirk Brosse.

Review: Released in the same breath as a fresh rendition of Holst's Planets suite, Deutsche Grammophon turn their attentions to the timeless efforts of German-American composer and conductor William Steinberg. After founding Command Classics, producer and record executive Enoch Light signed Steinberg as a conductor for the label. Working with engineer Bob Fine, Steinberg went on to record some remarkable albums on 35mm - a technique that offered a distinct improvement in sound over Steinberg's previous recordings. This new edition of his Boston Symphony Orchestra capturings is set to be released in multiple formats, of which this 3xLP is just a taster (albeit the best choice for audiophiles). Get a taste of Steinberg's style by listening to 'Schubert: Symphony No. 3: II Allegretto'.

Review: Music From The Star Wars Saga - The Essential Collection on red 180 gram vinyl is a nostalgic journey through the legendary melodies that have defined the Star Wars universe. From the iconic 'Star Wars Main Title' to the menacing 'Imperial March' and the epic 'Duel Of The Fates,' this compilation spans the saga from Episode I to Episode VIII. Conducted by Robert Ziegler and performed by the Slovak National Symphony Orchestra and members of the Slovak Philharmonic Choir, these newly recorded tracks breathe fresh life into John Williams' timeless compositions. The gatefold sleeve and included insert add to the collectible appeal of this essential vinyl release. Each track is a masterclass in orchestral storytelling, evoking the thrilling adventures, emotional depth, and cosmic battles of the Star Wars saga. Whether it's the ethereal 'Yoda's Theme' or the dramatic 'Battle of the Heroes,' this collection captures the essence of Williams' genius and the enduring magic of George Lucas' galaxy far, far away. It's a fitting tribute to the musical legacy of John Williams and the epic saga that has captivated audiences for generations.

Review: Now widely regarded as one of the best soundtrack composers of his generation, at the very least, Hans Zimmer has been behind plenty of the most seminal movie scores. His work for The Last Samurai is right up there and now for the very first time it is pressed up to vinyl. The 2003 movie starring Tom Cruise was nominated for a Golden Globe for its score and centres around the struggle of Civil War veteran Nathan Algren, the newly formed Imperial Japanese Army and Lord Moritsugu Katsumoto. The music mixes up traditional Japanese taiko drums, shakuhachi flutes and kotos into pastoral passages full of drama and tension as well as beauty.