Imaginary journeys are a recurring theme in the works of composer George De Decker. For this full-length concert, De Decker drew inspiration from René Daumal's unfinished novel 'Le Mont Analogue' (1908-1944). Daumal once wrote,"Climbing the summit serves only one purpose: the adventure of the unknown," a sentiment that could well serve as a motto for all art. Harp, accordion, euphonium and double bass are combined with live electronics: an unusual, colourful, exciting cross-pollination. Five young, eminent musicians engage in dialogue with a sophisticated sound band at each concert. Their musical score, however, remains open to improvisation, allowing them to explore a wide range of tones, including vocal and instrumental sounds, natural acoustics, and computer-assisted sound manipulations.

In 1938, at the Reichsmusiktage in Düsseldorf, the Nazi regime opened an exhibition around music with the theme: 'Entartete Musik'. They collected examples of what they considered degenerate music. Gustav Mahler, Kurt Weill, Hanns Eisler, Mischa Spoliansky; these were just a few names on the long list of depraved composers. On this album, this music and more.

On Plan BE, the Four Aces Guitar Quartet takes you on a journey through Belgian music history and presents its own arrangements of music by some iconic composers who have put Belgium on the international map. From Josquin Desprez’s subtle polyphony to the gypsy swing of Django Reinhardt, brought to you on four classical guitars by the internationally acclaimed ensemble Four Aces Guitar Quartet.

Antarctica label launches a new series named Spring and focused on debut recordings by a selection of compelling musicians whose talents and creativity are characterised by noteworthy essence and individuality. The first release is by Romanian pianist Cristian Sandrin who chose an original and engaging programme of music by Enescu, Ravel and Scott, highlighting the mutual influences of three composers of three different countries, all working in Paris. The recording took place in highly reputed Potton Hall under the technical responsability of Ben Connellan. Produced by Rachel Smith.

Between 1965 and 1970, Astor Piazzolla composed the 'Four Porteño Seasons' or 'Four Seasons of Buenos Aires', for his New Tango Quintet. It is an evocation of the different atmospheres of the Argentinian capital depending on the different seasons. The atmosphere of each piece is never utterly joyful or completely sad, which is also one of the characteristics of tango music: tragedy and joy go hand in hand and intertwine. Four Seasons (2016) for accordion, violin, cello, double bass, percussion and piano was composed at the request of accordionist Christophe Delporte for the Astoria Ensemble, to which it is dedicated. The titles of the four movements that make up this work are deliberately enigmatic, but each refer to a particular season. It's for the audience to guess which and why.

Sofie Vanden Eynde writes of her newest release: “Would it be possible to articulate the inner reality of a burnout musically: to make a burnout audible, tangible, understandable and, who knows, avoidable? The result is Vanishing Point / Verdwijntijd, an autobiographical recital, a musical narrative, a journey: somewhere between fragile comfort and cautious happiness. Vanishing Point / Verdwijntijd can be listened to in different ways: not only as a lute recital, but also as a radio play with voice, lute and soundscapes.”

All things Mozart have been said and done, you’d think. Well, nothing could be further from the truth. The exegesis of the Mozart-verse is a full-time job to many. The works on this recording alone raise a bunch of questions of which several remain unanswered. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s story for clarinet and string ensemble hasn’t been fully written yet. Part of it is voiced through some of the most often performed works in the repertoire. Still, every clarinetist is left with the challenge to get hands-on with the music and put a personal, original spin on it. To accomplish this, one has to be willing to do the necessary homework, returning to the source - and to go about it diligently.

Mikalojus Konstantinas Ciurlionis (1875-1911) was both composer and painter, a rare synesthetic talent whose music mirrors his visionary visual art. This album presents 35 piano works tracing his evolution from intimate folk-inspired preludes to bold, chromatic explorations, illuminated by Lithuanian tradition, mystical symbolism, and the influence of his mother. Pianist Geert Callaert brings tender clarity and interpretive freedom to Ciurlionis' delicate yet daring scores, offering listeners a unique journey through one of the early 20th century's most singular artistic minds.