The German pianist and teacher Theodor Kullak, a piano student of Carl Czerny among others, enjoyed a stellar career. His transcriptions, arrangements, and studies have proved enduring, while his lesser-known original works contain an abundance of persuasive pianistic colours. The pensive and dramatic Grande Sonate in F-sharp minor reveals the influence of Mendelssohn and Beethoven, and the Symphonie de Piano displays elements of Schumann as well as Kullak's fondness for Italian models. Virtuoso panache and drawing-room grace are also represented in the smaller works in this selection.

Astor Piazzolla (1921-1992) was an Argentine composer and bandoneon virtuoso who revolutionized the traditional tango by infusing it with elements of jazz, classical music, and modern harmonies. His work transformed tango from a dance genre rooted in Buenos Aires' popular culture into a sophisticated art form suitable for the concert hall. Central to this transformation were his bandoneon concertos, which showcased the expressive possibilities of the instrument and blurred the boundaries between popular and classical traditions. The bandoneon, a type of button accordion originally developed in Germany, became the soulful voice of Argentine tango. Piazzolla mastered it's complex mechanics and extended it's expressive range far beyond it's traditional role. Aconcagua: Concerto for Bandoneon and Orchestra (1980) represents the peak of Piazzolla's orchestral writing. Named after the highest mountain in the Andes, it symbolizes artistic ascent and ambition. This concerto highlights the instrument's dual nature-melancholic yet rhythmic, intimate yet dramatic. In this concerto, Piazzolla combines lush textures, driving rhythms, and virtuosic passages to create a dialogue between the bandoneon and orchestra that is both lyrical and dynamic. Also included on this disc are the Tres Tangos for orchestra and the immensely popular Oblivion, known from Marc Bellocchio's film Enrico IV. Played by Klaudiusz Baran, one of the leading bandoneon players of his country, and the Czestochowa Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Adam Klocek.

Ten years after their first album on b-records dedicated to Schubert's Winterreise, Nahuel di Pierro and Alphonse Cemin return with a more intimate programme, born from the intersection of their respective curiosities. From Debussy's Trois Ballades de François Villon to Piazzolla and Borges' Cuatro Canciones Portenas, they weave together the threads of France and Argentina's shared heritage, exploring the marginal figures of Buenos Aires who feed the imagination of tango and milonga, alongside Ravel's musical adaptation of Don Quixote. An epic journey across genres and continents, performed by two passionate interpreters of sung poetry.

This album seeks to honor composers that have been relegated to marginalized communities and are under-represented within the classical musical cadre. To be able to perform these stellar works is a mere starting point for offering the honor, attention, and exposure that is deserved and has been so long overdue.

José Antonio Bottiroli's protégé and greatest champion, Fabio Banegas, presents this fourth volume of his mentor's complete piano works. In this wide-ranging collection we hear works with orchestra and with chamber ensemble, as well as pieces for piano solo and duo. Symphonic Impressions for piano and orchestra offers lyricism and virtuosity, while the remainder of the programme focuses on Bottiroli's contrapuntal mastery, the creative refashioning and expansion of earlier works, and his use of Argentine folk dances such as the chamamé. Together they present musical mementos of his own life experience.

Gustav Mahler's Sixth Symphony is perhaps the darkest work he ever wrote-it's nickname is "The Tragic." And there is something almost destructive about the final movement. "But strangely enough," says Simon Rattle, "it is also a very classical symphony. Yes, it is extreme, but for long stretches it is less wild than other works of his-although of course it does convey a harrowing message. But it's like a lot of great works: there are always different ways of reading them. I've been conducting the Sixth for forty years now, and over time I've come to realise that it also contains hope." Mahler composed his Sixth Symphony during the summers of 1903 and 1904 at his "composer's cottage" in Maiernigg, near Klagenfurt. At the Vienna performance in 1907 (the third under his baton), he called it the "Tragic Symphony"-a nickname that soon became the stuff of legend. In particular, the darkness and devastating hopelessness of the finale-written at a time when he was at the high point of his life, both professionally and personally-are puzzling. Even his wife Alma could not quite explain the contradiction. As always, it was in and through music that Mahler came to terms with his experiences, exploring themes such as farewell, the meaning of existence, death, redemption, the afterlife, and love. More than other Mahler works, the Sixth Symphony is committed to "classical" symphonic form: it is in four movements and has no vocal parts. Despite all the liberties it takes, the opening movement follows sonata form. The Andante draws on the rondo form, as do the Scherzo and the Finale. Very unusually, even the Scherzo has march-like features and seems like a parodistic paraphrase of the opening, with a change of perspective. The march, which sets the tone from the very first note of the first movement, plays a major role.

When film composers turn to classical music, they shed a straitjacket rather than lose a safety net. In his Metamorfosi di Violetta, Ennio Morricone dissects the unravelling of La Traviata's heroine with filmic acuity. Tigran Mansurian's Agnus Dei oscillates between chant and dissonance to evoke unresolved grief. John Corigliano's Soliloquy turns inward even further, transforming private loss into quiet radiance. Bernard Herrmann never sought classical abstraction, yet Hitchcock's musical alter ego-the composer of the Psycho and Vertigo scores-provides this programme's pièce de résistance: Souvenir du voyage, a nostalgic gem with profound cinematic sensibility.

Ildebrando Pizzetti (1880-1968) was an Italian composer, music theorist, and teacher whose work bridges the late Romantic tradition and early twentieth-century modernism. A member of the so-called "Generation of the Eighties" alongside Ottorino Respighi, Gian Francesco Malipiero, and Alfredo Casella, Pizzetti sought to redefine Italian music by reconnecting it with the country's Renaissance and Baroque heritage. Deeply inspired by early polyphony, Gregorian chant, and classical drama, he cultivated a style marked by modal harmony, contrapuntal clarity, and a profound sense of lyricism. Beyond composition, he was an influential pedagogue, teaching at the conservatories of Florence and Milan and later directing the Accademia di Santa Cecilia in Rome. Pizzetti's Piano Trio in A major (1904) is an early work that reflects both his academic training and his emerging individuality. Written while still under the influence of Romantic models such as Brahms and Franck, the trio nonetheless reveals Pizzetti's characteristic Italianate warmth and structural discipline. It's melodic contours often echo the inflections of Italian vocal writing, while it's harmonic palette experiments with modal color. The work's three movements display a balance between lyrical expressiveness and contrapuntal craftsmanship, suggesting the composer's lifelong fascination with vocal polyphony adapted to instrumental textures. In contrast, the Tre Canti for cello and piano (1924) exemplify Pizzetti's mature idiom. Composed two decades later, these three short pieces distill his refined sense of melody and austerity. Each "Canto" unfolds as an expressive monologue, the cello singing with quasi-vocal intensity over restrained piano writing. Modal inflections and chant-like phrasing create an atmosphere of meditative introspection, while subtle rhythmic freedom evokes the flexibility of spoken or sung language. Together, the Tre Canti encapsulate Pizzetti's search for a timeless musical expression-rooted in Italy's ancient past yet articulated in a modern, deeply personal voice. Also included in this program are three short works for violin and piano.

The album's title Heimat is the German word for 'homeland'. Kenji Miura was born in Japan and studied in London and Berlin, where he has now lived for 12 years. With Heimat he explores the concept of a musical 'chosen home'. Heimat comprises Beethoven's 'Appassionata' Sonata; Schumann's Kinderszenen, and Brahms's Seven Fantasies. As Miura says: "In finding my way into German music, I also found my way deeper into the place I now call 'Heimat'. Acclaimed by Pianist Magazine as one of the '5 top pianists to keep an eye on in 2023', Miura recently joined the faculty at the Hochschule fur Musik Hanns Eisler Berlin, where he passionately mentors the next generation of pianists

In May 2002, in a series of live concerts in the Golden Hall of Vienna's Musikverein, a journey unique in the Wiener Philharmoniker's long and distinguished history reached it's conclusion. This thrilling set of symphonies is the fruit of that journey. The recordings were made 'live', Sir Simon Rattle believing that a live performance has it's own rhythm. "A superbly played account... Rattle's must now be the strongest recommendation amongst modern Beethoven cycles." BBC Music Magazine

Alice Sara Ott - "Johann Johannsson: Piano Works" Johann Johannsson: Piano Works, recorded by pianist Alice Sara Ott, is a selection of the late Icelandic composer's most famous works - reimagined for solo piano. These premiere recordings of the piano scores published recently by Faber Music are hauntingly beautiful interpretations, capturing the essence of Johann Johannsson's music. The album includes some of his most iconic works from films such as The Theory of Everything, Personal Effects, and Copenhagen Dreams, as well as from his studio albums including Orphee and Englaborn. CD Mintpack.

Born at the intersection of music, visual arts, and the world of cinema, this vibrant new program by producer Robert Townson brings together ten internationally renowned composers in world-premiere compositions. Pictures at an Exhibition: The Paintings of Bob Peak is modelled after the timeless concept of one of Mussorgsky's greatest works and brought to life by the Los Angeles Film Orchestra, under the baton of the legendary conductor Leonard Slatkin. Each one of the ten new movements is inspired by a unique piece from the oeuvre of the American illustrator Bob Peak (1927-1992), known for his posters for films including West Side Story, Superman, Apocalypse Now, and the original Star Trek movies, but also a prolific artist of commissions for Time magazine, the Olympics, and countless others. Composers include Mychael Danna, Harry Gregson-Williams, Marc Shaiman and Bill Conti.

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."

Christopher Tin -"Song Offerings: Choral Works by Christopher Tin" Christopher Tin's album, Song Offerings, contains two distinct choral works with the Kantorei Choir (Song Offerings and Transfigurations) celebrating communal love, peace, cosmic spirituality and transcendence. CD Softpak, 24-page booklet.

Dodie - "Not For Lack Of Trying". Not For Lack Of Trying explores Dodie's journey with mental health over the last decade. "I have only been able to deal with parts of life in bite-size pieces. These songs are packaged reflections of those pieces - exploring heartbreak, yearning for meaning, and joy amidst depression."

Luciano Pavarotti - "Novanta". Decca presents NOVANTA - the ultimate greatest hits package of the world's favorite tenor. This release includes his most popular, signature arias and songs, iconic live moments from some of the biggest concerts ever to take place, alongside rarities, new discoveries, and previously unreleased tracks. 80 minutes of music: 20 tracks, spanning opera, Italian song, and sacred music, plus duets with Tracy Chapman and Andrea Bocelli, and 2 previously unreleased arias from Llangollen (1995). Also, available for the first time on Decca, "Adeste Fidelis" from the 1978 concert at the Notre-Dame Basilica, Montreal.

Alexandra Whittingham - "Letters from Paris". From melancholy miniatures to the soaring melodies of French chansons, this is an album which gives us the space to contemplate, marvel and hope. Letters from Paris features specially commissioned new arrangements and guest appearances from other musical stars of Alexandra's generation.

Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale Soundtrack - Introducing the original motion picture soundtrack to the final film in the Downton Abbey series, scored by composer John Lunn. The film follows the Crawley family and their staff as they enter the 1930s. As the beloved cast of characters navigate how to lead Downton Abbey into the future, they must embrace change and welcome a new chapter.

Tom Basden/Carey Mulligan - "The Ballad of Wallis Island (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)". The Ballad of Wallis Island follows Charles (Tim Key), an eccentric lottery winner who lives alone on a remote island and dreams of getting his favorite musicians, McGwyer Mortimer (Tom Basden and Carey Mulligan) back together. His fantasy quickly turns into reality when the bandmates and former lovers accept his invitation to play a private show at his home on Wallis Island. Old tensions resurface as Charles tries desperately to salvage his dream gig.

The Kanneh-Masons - "River of Music". "This is a story about our family and the sources of our music. Music runs like a river through the generations, and our passion for listening and playing music comes from our grandparents, and from their stories, flowing from the places and dreams they passed on..." - Konya Kanneh-Mason, Grandad's Dream. From their Welsh grandmother following love across the sea to Sierra Leone, to their Antiguan grandad passing on his own dashed hopes of a musical career, this album celebrates the musical threads of the Kanneh-Mason family. Surrounding Schubert's Trout Quintet, which they all grew up playing, are new arrangements of classical favorites most loved by their grandparents, Welsh folk songs and spirituals, performed and often arranged by the seven siblings. The album is pulled together with a story by writer Konya, called 'Grandad's Dream.'

Max Richter's ethereal score for the film, Hamnet, the untold love story that inspired Shakespeare's greatest masterpiece. From Academy Award-winning writer/director Chloe Zhao, Hamnet tells the powerful story of love and loss that inspired the creation of Shakespeare's timeless classic, Hamlet, featuring Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal. Based on the Sunday Times Bestseller by Maggie O'Farrell.

Experience the enchanting sounds of 'Orfeo Son Io' featuring Rolando Villazon, L'Arpeggiata, and Christina Pluhar. This classical masterpiece, released by Deutsche Grammophon, showcases a unique blend of operatic vocals and instrumental artistry. Perfect for both classical enthusiasts and new listeners alike.

Aristo Sham - "Timeline" - Gramophone acclaimed his performance at the Van Cliburn Competition as "inspired a well-deserved ovation." Aristo Sham won also the Audience Award, voted by music lovers globally, demonstrating that his artistry captivated both the jury and the public. Within just two months, he was mentioned in over 800 news articles, and his Cliburn performance videos were streamed over 2 million times across 125 countries.

Samuel Marino - "Lumina". Premiere recordings of arias sung by a male voice, featuring Samuel's own arrangements of the traditional Last Rose of Summer and "Bailero" from Joseph Canteloube's folk song collection, Chants d'Auvergne. Famous arias inspired by nature, voice and emotion, recorded alongside Ben Palmer & Covent Garden Sinfonia as well as pianist Jonathan Ware. "I want to open the doors for the next generations of male sopranos and say 'listen, I did it, and so can you.'" - Samuel Marino