Rufus Wainwright's Dream Requiem is an extremely prestigious project, the result of a commission from major cultural institutions in the US, UK, and Europe. This world premiere recording features a new composition by the legendary, Grammy-nominated musician, who has collaborated with the who's who of the pop music world. With narration by Meryl Streep, the project will be followed by a worldwide tour starting in January 2025. Written during the pandemic, it's a requiem "for the people we have lost in this crisis, for the past from which we are cut off and for the future to which we do not yet know how to connect, a Requiem for human contact, solidarity and the human voice that have all become dangerous and contagious"; It's also a reflection on environmental collapse and the increase in the number of natural disasters. The text of Dream Requiem weaves together words from the Latin Mass for the Dead - as used by his hero Verdi - with Lord Byron's apocalyptic poem 'Darkness', written after the volcanic eruption of Mount Tambora in 1815 and which brought about "the year without summer".

Aldo Ciccolini (1925-2015) launched his career in 1950 after winning the prestigious Marguerite Long Competition. A child prodigy, he dedicated himself to rigorous study, drawing influence from Busoni, Liszt, and the Bel Canto tradition, which shaped his emotionally charged interpretations-he described himself as a "lirico spinto pianist." His rich discography, largely released by Warner/Erato, includes complete piano cycles by Liszt, Saint-Sa�ns, and S�verac, along with acclaimed performances of Debussy and Satie. This enriched collection also features exclusive, previously unreleased recordings, including live recitals at the Nohant Festival and a studio session of his favorite Encore pieces. To experience Aldo Ciccolini through his extraordinary recorded legacy is to be immersed in a masterclass of elegance and humility, struck by the richness of his tone or captivated by the mysteries of an entrancing piano.

Following on the acclaimed 'Where is Home' and 'Hymns of Bantu', two genre-defying albums, 'Four Spirits' is also drawn from Abel's South African roots and seeks to create a communal experience with the audience through cello concerto, percussion, singing & improvisation. His first solo cello concerto and, formally speaking, a concerto cast in four movements - each movement takes an essential aspect of township life: ancestors, children, faith and community. Selaocoe positions himself as chief storyteller, combining cello improvising with lyrics in the Southern Sotho and Zulu languages.

Mikhail Pletnev, a virtuoso pianist of the Russian school, rose to global fame after winning the 1978 Tchaikovsky International Piano Competition. Known for his formidable technique and deep musical insight, his Erato recordings (formerly Virgin Classics) showcase his remarkable versatility and unique ability to bring emotional depth and fresh perspectives to works by Chopin, Haydn, Rachmaninov, Mozart, Tchaikovsky, and Mussorgsky. Despite his reserved nature, Pletnev's deeply personal interpretations continue to captivate listeners, solidifying his reputation as one of the most thoughtful and imaginative musicians of his generation.

It is quite impossible to imagine today's violin heritage without the absolute musical genius of Perlman. Daniel Barenboim. Over the past 60 years Itzhak Perlman has become established as one of the great violinists of history - a player on a level with such legendary figures as Fritz Kreisler, Jascha Heifetz and David Oistrakh. Providing a treasurable memento of his art, this is a newly assembled 5LP collection of masterworks for violin and orchestra in what have become legendary recordings. They bear witness to his collaborations with the world's greatest orchestras, and feature an array of superlative fellow soloists and conductors: Carlo Maria Giulini, Daniel Barenboim, Yo-Yo Ma and Eugene Ormandy.

Long acknowledged as one of the great pianists of our time, Elisabeth Leonskaja shares her wealth of experience of Beethoven's Piano Concerto No 5, the 'Emperor', with the players of the Orchestre Fran�ais des Jeunes, aged between 16 and 25. She describes it as "the supreme piano concerto... "Nothing transcends the connection it creates between the soloist, conductor and orchestra." Belgium's Crescendo magazine, reviewing a live performance of the concerto, admired "the perfectly disciplined orchestra and the sureness of Michael Sch�nwandt gestures," writing: "The young instrumentalists... showed flexibility in following the marvellous Elisabeth Leonskaja, who... with the absolute 'rightness' of her playing, immersed everyone present in a moment of true grace."

Itzhak Perlman, born in 1945, is the supreme violinist of his time. Over the past 60 years he has become established as one of the great violinists of history - a player on a level with such legendary figures as Fritz Kreisler, Jascha Heifetz and David Oistrakh, and an influential musician admired around the world by a broad and varied public and by students of his instrument. Presenting his art in all it's warmth, generosity and brilliance, this comprehensive 78-CD edition features all the recordings Perlman made for EMI Classics, Teldec, Erato and Warner Classics over a period of more than 40 years. The recordings document his collaborations with the world's greatest orchestras and feature an array of superlative fellow soloists and conductors, including Martha Argerich, Vladimir Ashkenazy, Daniel Barenboim, Carlo Maria Giulini, Bernard Haitink, Lynn Harrell, Yo-Yo Ma, Zubin Mehta, Seiji Ozawa, Andr� Previn and Pinchas Zukerman.

Georgian pianist Mariam Batsashvili's Influences features works by Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven-the three giants of the sonata form. Mariam has selected her favourite sonatas, leading to the final piece on the album: Liszt's Fantasia quasi sonata. The album includes Liszt's famous Liebestraum No. 1 & 3 and Campanella, along with other beautiful solo works.

Perlman already had a recording of the Brahms Double Concerto to his name - on that occasion sharing the bill with Mstislav Rostropovich, conducted by Bernard Haitink (1979). He creates an equally sumptuous dialogue here with Yo-Yo Ma. The two performers match one another for brio and lyricism, their playing informed by the same sense of joyfulness, as their enthusiasm and generosity of spirit combine. Indeed, the coherence of sound, vibrato and intonation of these two soloists, each at the peak of his powers, reveals a fellowship both instrumental and spiritual. The vigour of the attacks and power of the phrasings, sustained by dazzling playing from the orchestra, add a rarely achieved Romantic dimension to this performance, transforming it into a veritable feast for the ears.

Alexandre Tharaud's new album features three world premieres on record - three piano concertos written for & dedicated to him by three of the most exciting contemporary composers active today. A deeply engaging, virtuosic tour-de-force of an album.

Following on the acclaimed 'Where is Home' and 'Hymns of Bantu', two genre-defying albums, 'Four Spirits' is also drawn from Abel's South African roots and seeks to create a communal experience with the audience through cello concerto, percussion, singing & improvisation. His first solo cello concerto and, formally speaking, a concerto cast in four movements - each movement takes an essential aspect of township life: ancestors, children, faith and community. Selaocoe positions himself as chief storyteller, combining cello improvising with lyrics in the Southern Sotho and Zulu languages.

Second of two LP releases devoted to the legendary Martha Argerich, the first being a best of her Concertos recordings, the second a best of her Solo piano & Chamber music albums (a day after her 84th anniversary). The term 'living legend' is genuinely apt to Martha Argerich, whose dazzling amalgam of virtuosity, insight, eclecticism, generosity and mystery makes her a pianist of unrivalled fascination. Argentinian-born, Viennese-trained, and winner of the 1965 Chopin Competition, she became a sometimes elusive figure whose every appearance and recording aroused eager anticipation.

For more than six decades, Adrian Boult was at the forefront of British music-making. He was the most skilled British conductor of his era, with the widest musical sympathies. Known for his conducting style characterized by it's clarity, discipline, and objectivity, his recordings are highly regarded for their integrity and musical insight. This edition includes all his mono recordings made between 1920 and 1957 for HMV, Pye Nixa and Parlophone labels. More than half of this box set is available for the very first time on CD, in HD remastering made from the original sources, and it includes several previously unreleased recordings. This first box devoted to the Mono recordings will be followed in January 2026 by another box devoted to the complete Stereo recordings by Adrian Boult on Warner Classics. The albums are presented as original pairing programs with original cover artwork.

Maria Tipo's extraordinary talent was so evident from a young age that she was nicknamed the "Neapolitan Horowitz." After her early success at the Geneva International Music Competition, she rose to international acclaim within a decade of her recording debut, performing over 300 concerts in the United States. While she later chose to limit her concert activity, Tipo became a revered teacher in Geneva, Bolzano, and Florence, with Martha Argerich once recommending her to Nelson Goerner as "wonderful for you." She also made a decisive contribution to the legacy of Muzio Clementi, declaring: "I want to show that he is the one who opens the door to Romanticism, which leads directly to Franz Liszt." Tipo's recordings - from her legendary Scarlatti and Bach albums to her pioneering complete Clementi sonatas and her deeply lyrical Chopin Nocturnes - remain a precious testimony to an artistry combining astonishing technique with profound human sensitivity.

This piano journey reimagines classical masterpieces as the ultimate sophisticated lounge soundtrack, it seamlessly blends the timeless romance of the past with the contemplative calm of the present. From the shimmering moonlight of Debussy's Clair de lune and the tranquil depths of the Beethoven Path�tique slow movement, to the introspective warmth of Brahms's Intermezzo and Grieg's Notturno, the selection flows like a late-night conversation. The most popular neoclassical composers of our century like Joep Beving, Max Richter, Ludovico Einaudi, J�hann J�hannsson and Yann Tiersen contribute their hypnotic, cinematic textures, creating a mood that is both deeply relaxing and intellectually engaging. A perfect accompaniment for unwinding, offering a journey through elegant, meditative solo piano music.

Nikolaus Harnoncourt was one of the most influential conductors of the 20th century, a pioneer who redefined how we listen to music. A cellist by training, he first revolutionised Baroque performance with his own Concentus musicus Wien, before seeking an ensemble that could bring the same spirit of discovery to the Classical and Romantic repertoire. His encounter in 1986 with the young Chamber Orchestra of Europe was the beginning of a unique artistic partnership. Harnoncourt demanded extremes of colour, tension and risk, challenging the musicians to abandon routine and rediscover the radical force of Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert or Schumann. What began as a trial evolved into decades of groundbreaking concerts, operas and recordings, from revelatory Beethoven cycles to Schumann and even Gershwin. Their collaboration not only transformed the orchestra but also left a lasting mark on performance history, setting interpretative standards that continue to inspire musicians worldwide.

Dedicated to the STEREO recordings of Sir Adrian Boult, this edition forms an essential counterpart to the previously issued Mono Recordings 1920-1957. Few conductors embraced the transition from mono to stereo with such sensitivity and imagination: Boult drew on a new generation of producers and engineers to achieve a remarkable balance of clarity, depth, and power. Covering the years 1956 to 1978, this collection captures his "Indian summer" in the studio and includes his landmark Schumann and Brahms cycles, alongside authoritative interpretations of fellow composers Vaughan Williams, Elgar, Britten, and Holst. Celebrated for their vitality and architectural grandeur, these recordings confirm Boult's central place in the history of orchestral performance on record.

US a cappella sextet Lyyra's debut album "Rising" is a captivating project showcasing stunning repertoire arranged for upper voices. "Rising" is not bound by genre or style, but revolves around themes of love, identity, and togetherness. The six women of Lyyra come from different musical and personal backgrounds, each bringing with them their unique style. When joined together, they create lush, chill-inducing harmonies, and a long-lasting impression. Including pop hits, Americana, jazz, traditional choral, and new compositions, highlights include a cover of Billie Eilish's iconic "What Was I Made For"; Simon & Garfunkel's "America"; and jazz standard "A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square".

Composer-pianist Riopy returns with his fifth album "Be Love" - his first key music release since 2023's "Thrive". The 12 track album is comprised of 6 cinematic piano-instrumental tracks - a return to his roots of cinematic solo piano - and 6 more expansive tracks where Riopy experiments with his voice: from meditative whispers to raw and emotive lyricism. The composer-instrumentalist has utilised numerous ways to produce sound, just never his own voice. "I had this compulsion, this need to use my voice, because I think it's one of the biggest fears I've had through my life. It felt right. I needed to do this. "Be Love" was recorded on Riopy's dream instrument, the Steinway Spirio. It was mixed by GRAMMY-winning producer Oli Jacobs (Peter Gabriel, Lana Del Rey, Van Morrison) who has masterfully entwined Riopy's evocative vocals with his delicate piano tracks.

Produced during the astonishingly fruitful year before the composer's death aged 31, the Impromptus are short, lyrical miniatures of contrasting mood and character which create a musical narrative whose imaginative reach transports the listener far beyond the 19th-century drawing room. They have been core components of Eric Lu's repertoire for several years, but the pianist decided to wait before recording them. "I have a real sense of a journey with these works, in particular with Op.90, having lived with them intensely in preparation, on stage and, finally, in the recording studio," he says. "For me, the Impromptus are some of the greatest jewels in the piano literature. They are magnificent, deep pieces of music, and the very essence of Schubert."

Composer-pianist Riopy returns with his fifth album "Be Love" - his first key music release since 2023's "Thrive". The 12 track album is comprised of 6 cinematic piano-instrumental tracks - a return to his roots of cinematic solo piano - and 6 more expansive tracks where Riopy experiments with his voice: from meditative whispers to raw and emotive lyricism. The composer-instrumentalist has utilised numerous ways to produce sound, just never his own voice. "I had this compulsion, this need to use my voice, because I think it's one of the biggest fears I've had through my life. It felt right. I needed to do this. "Be Love" was recorded on Riopy's dream instrument, the Steinway Spirio. It was mixed by GRAMMY-winning producer Oli Jacobs (Peter Gabriel, Lana Del Rey, Van Morrison) who has masterfully entwined Riopy's evocative vocals with his delicate piano tracks.

First of two LP releases devoted to the legendary Martha Argerich, the first being a best of her Concertos recordings, the second a best of her Solo piano & Chamber music albums (a day after her 84th anniversary). The term 'living legend' is genuinely apt to Martha Argerich, whose dazzling amalgam of virtuosity, insight, eclecticism, generosity and mystery makes her a pianist of unrivalled fascination. Argentinian-born, Viennese-trained, and winner of the 1965 Chopin Competition, she became a sometimes elusive figure whose every appearance and recording aroused eager anticipation.

Pianists Bertrand Chamayou and Leif Ove Andsnes join forces to record Schubert's magnificent Fantasia in F minor, presenting a landmark Schubert 4 Hands album. This release arrives 40 years after Radu Lupu and Murray Perahia's legendary CBS recording and 60 years after Benjamin Britten and Sviatoslav Richter's historic Aldeburgh Festival performance. The duo delivers breathtaking interpretations that could establish this recording as the new reference for Schubert's Fantasia. The album pairs the Fantasia with other Schubert four-hand works composed in 1828, the year of the composer's death, offering a deeply intimate and historically informed program.

In Bertrand Chamayou's words, Ravel Fragments is "a personal contribution to the celebrations of the 150th anniversary of a composer who has been with me constantly since I was a child". An album of solo piano music, it ranges from Ravel's own transcriptions of La Valse and extracts from Daphnis et Chlo� - both, of course, spectacular orchestral works - to Chamayou's own transcriptions of vocal works by the composer, and to pieces that pay tribute to Ravel. Five of these are by composers of the past - Arthur Honegger, Joaqu�n Nin, Alexandre Tansman, Xavier Montsalvatge and Ricardo Vi�es (the pianist who championed the music of Ravel, Debussy and other major figures in the early 20th century), and three by composers of our own time - Betsy Jolas, Salvatore Sciarrino and Fr�d�ric Durieux.

David Fray stands out as one of today's most distinctive French pianists, widely acclaimed for his profound interpretations of Bach. Each of his recordings is considered a major event, making this new release all the more anticipated, as it marks his return after several years of silence. This new album features masterpieces from Rameau to Scarlatti, including lesser-known composers like Royer, with a strong focus on Bach. The repertoire includes original keyboard works as well as piano transcriptions by legendary pianists such as Siloti, Kempff, Busoni, and Stradal. Additionally, the album also includes the world premiere recording of Monsaingeon's arrangement for piano of Bach's Violin Sonata No. 2 in A Minor, BWV 1003: Andante.