Vivaldi’s ‘Four Seasons’ and I Musici go hand in hand, so much so, that the ensemble has recorded this collection of concertos repeatedly over the years. This is one of the very finest of their recordings and is coupled with two further violin concertos by Vivaldi, performed with the same stylish panache.

Readings of drama and pathos of two of Tchaikovsky’s best-known orchestral masterpieces.

Two of Grieg’s most popular works on a single CD. The ‘Peer Gynt’ excerpts are more extended than those normally encountered on the suites, incorporating both choruses (in ‘In The Hall of the Mountain King’, for example) and songs (those of Solveig). To finish, Marriner directs one of the freshest performances of the zestful ‘Holberg […]

From some of the best Debussy recordings in the DG catalogue, this collection brings together some of the most popular pieces by this composer in tranquil, gleaming performances.

Lorin Maazel’s early DG and Decca recordings were landmarks and this disc offers what is unquestionably two of the finest performances of these two symphonies. The Fifth has really thunderbolt impact and the Berlin strings and winds in the ‘Pastoral’ sing gloriously

This has to be one of the most amazing recordings of Rossini Overtures ever made. The polish and scintillation of the orchestral playing practically outclasses any other recording and the sense of fun is infectious! Try track 1 and you’ll be sold!

Blazing and saturated sound – of the aptly-described ‘gold brick’ variety – characterises these celebrated performances of eight of Beethoven’s best-loved Overtures. All the favourites are there and the recordings have been stunningly remastered for this release.

Some of the most critically-acclaimed – and mesmeric – recordings of Gregorian Chant.

Two of Bizet’s most popular suites here directed with piquancy and spice by Igor Markevitch.

Legendary since its ‘Phase 4’ Decca release, Dorati and his team bring to this recording all the swagger, colour and panache the work deserves. A thrilling performance!

Chopin was not a composer synonymous with Jorge Bolet and yet Bolet’s huge technique and limpid tone were totally suited to the long lines of poetry that Chopin wove, as this recording of both miniatures (the 24 Préludes) as well as the larger-scale works (Ballades, Fantasie) demonstrates.

Taken from Anda’s much-vaunted complete recordings of these concertos, Nos. 22 & 23 are here presented in performances that have held their sway for limpidness, clarity and unforced beauty.