The bandoneon was remarkably popular as part of Argentinian culture during the 20th century and was brought into the Western mainstream through Astor Piazzolla's 'nuevo tango'. It was invented in Germany in around 1850, and for a while became a familiar part of musical life there. Andre Parfenov's dramatic and evocative Bandoneon Story delves into the instrument's rich history turning it into a surprisingly varied audio journey, exploring it's humble origins, expressive poetic palette and artful dance syncopations to create a cinematic historical panorama.

Classical guitarist emilie Fend and clarinettist Andreas Hermanski share an ambitious artistic vision to promote their relatively unusual instrumental combination through the commissioning of new repertoire. Including world premiere recordings, this programme presents neo-Classical dark and light contrasts in Giacomo Susani's Sonata, and striking evocations of nature in Antonio Giacometti's The Prideful Cry of Amazonian Forest. Psychological landscapes can be found in Jan Freidlin's Kafka Sonata alongside Roberto Sierra's Duo-Sonata, with all works exploring the diverse expressive potential of this exciting ensemble.

Heinrich Marschner's role as Germany's leading Romantic operatic composer in the generation between Weber and Wagner has tended to draw attention away from his accomplished chamber compositions. Marschner had a high regard for the piano trio genre, composing seven throughout his career, which won the admiration of his friends Robert and Clara Schumann. The Trio No. 1 in A minor is profusely lyrical and not without surprises and contrasts. Written three decades later, the Trio No. 7 in F major is a work of his maturity - assured, dramatic and energetic.

Brahms' lifelong preoccupation with the solo voice can be heard to great effect in this sixth volume of his complete songs. The ghostly and dreamlike opening of the Four Duets, Op. 28 and moods of desolation and loss in the Nine Songs, Op. 69 are linked by the unusually disparate subjects in each set, while the playful spirit of southern Italy and Spain forms part of Op. 58. The programme ends with great musical beauty, depth, and even touches of crude humour in Five Songs, Op. 72.

Pianist Klaus Simon's advocacy for Erich J. Wolff and his Lieder continues with this third volume. Wolf is arguably one of the 20th century's most neglected composers, and his virtually unknown songs are overdue for rediscovery. Simon is joined by baritone Hans Christoph Begemann.

Volume 13 is the final instalment in Wolf Harden's series of Busoni's piano music, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the composer's death in 2024. It features selections from the multi-volume Klavierubung ('Piano Exercise') as well as some early miniatures, and more.

The six piano sonatas by Brazilian composer Claudio Santoro document the evolution of his creative and formal development, from twelve-tone technique to Brazilian nationalism. The sonatas are performed by the composer's son, Alessandro Santoro.

Deutsche Oper Berlin's production of Massenet's four-act version of Herodiade features an outstanding cast, including the Australian soprano Nicole Car and Canadian baritone Etienne Dupuis. This live recording from June 2023 is conducted by Deutsche Oper Berlin's principal guest conductor, Enrique Mazzola.

World premiere recordings of three new important choral works by American composers Richard Einhorn, Gilda Lyons and Joseph Turrin. The Musica Viva NY Choir and Orchestra make their Naxos debut with these recordings, conducted by their artistic director Alejandro Hernandez-Valdez.

Though he composed in a variety of genres - choral and orchestral works and an opera among them - Erich Zeisl was a consummate Lieder composer whose songs are richly melodic, inventive, and cast in a late Romantic idiom. In his settings he responded to a range of ideas - the subjects of the night and light were potent ones, and he mined a vein of irony and humour. Forced from Austria in 1938 he did not write any Lieder after settling in America but arranged some Spirituals, drawing on the music of a people similarly oppressed as his own.

Stellar cellist Gabriel Schwabe completes his two-volume survey of Beethoven's complete works for cello and piano. He is accompanied by the acclaimed English pianist Nicholas Rimmer. Volume 1 is available on Naxos 8.574529.

Busoni's operatic masterpiece, Doktor Faust, was left unfinished on his death in 1924. A DVD (37998) and Blu-ray (57998) of this performance was released on Dynamic in March of this year, receiving much critical acclaim. Cornelius Meister conducts the orchestra and chorus of Maggio Musicale Fiorentino with Dietrich Henschel in the title role. This release marks the 100th anniversary of the composer's death. May 2025 will be the 100th anniversary of the opera's premiere performance.

French music specialist Jean-Luc Tingaud conducts the National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland in this album of favourites and rarities by Faure. Includes the first movement of the unfinished Violin Concerto, the prelude to the opera Penelope, Henri Rabaud's orchestration of the popular Dolly suite, and more.

Goran Filipec is renowned for his exceptional interpretations of the works of Franz Liszt. His four previous recordings can be heard on 8.573705,8.573794,8.573866 and 8.574095. With this new album he presents a selection of the composer's most popular pieces featuring several of his own arrangements and adaptations.

These world premiere recordings of Rieti's Piano Concertos Nos. 1-3 are performed by the award-winning pianist Alessandro Marangoni, accompanied by the Orchestra Sinfonica di Milano and conducted by Guiseppe Grazioli. Marangoni is joined by Orazio Sciortino in the first stereo recording of the Concerto for Two Pianos and Orchestra.