During a journey through Italy in 1882, Peter Tchaikovsky received a parcel in the post from a friend containing a book with the fairy tale Nutcracker and the Mouse King. This was, however, in the French adaptation Histoire d’un casse-noi-
Composer: Peter IlyichTchaikovsky
Genre: Classical
Subgenre: Ballet
Brahms: Academic Festival Overture / Alto Rhapsody / Variations On A Theme by J. Haydn
Memories of Hans Vonk: Towards the end of the 1970’s, I was asked to produce a number of recordings with the Residentie Orkest (Hague Philharmonic Orchestra).The orchestra wanted a new concert hall, and was trying to earn some extra money,
Composer: Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)
Genre: Classical
Subgenre: Vocal
Scriabin: Symphony No. 1 in E Major, Op. 26 & The Poem of Ecstasy, Op. 54
In 1899, Scriabin began writing his most ambitious composition to date: the First Symphony. The work still reflects the influence of the traditional four-movement formal scheme. But Scriabin also framed the symphony with an
Composer: Alexander Scriabin (1972-1915)
Genre: Classical
Subgenre: Vocal
Beethoven: Piano Sonatas Nos. 1-32 (Complete)
The waiting has finally paid off: the complete Beethoven piano sonata cycle has finally arrived. Japanese pianist Mari Kodama is only the fourth woman to have recorded all of Beethoven's sonatas (Pizzicato). Although not the first with ...
Composer: Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827)
Genre: Classical
Subgenre: Piano
R. Strauss: Symphonia domestica, Op. 53, TrV 209 & Die Tageszeiten, Op. 76, TrV 256
Richard Strauss’s original working title for the work was “My home. A symphonic portrait of myself and my family” and was intended as a homely sequel to Ein Heldenleben (1898). Instead of the hero’s struggle for supremacy, Symphonia
Composer: Richard Strauss (1864-1949)
Genre: Classical
Subgenre: Orchestral
Mendelssohn & Tchaikovsky: Violin Concertos
This release arguably features the two greatest concertos ever written for the violin: performed by one of the most brilliant violinists of her generation, together with one of the finest orchestras, ...
Composer: Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847), Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893)
Genre: Classical
Subgenre: Concertos
Mahler: Symphony No. 4 in G Major
Mahler’s Symphony No. 4 portrays another side of the composer, different to the one hitherto seen by the general public. No major battles are fought in this symphony; rather, it is a portrayal of a childlike vision of life and a better world
Composer: Gustav Mahler (1860-1911)
Genre: Classical
Subgenre: Vocal
Shostakovich: Symphony No. 7 in C Major, Op. 60
It is hard to escape the incredible pull of Symphony No. 7, knowing the background to its composition and its general significance. Shostakovich began to work on the actual composition in July 1941 in Leningrad, where he wrote the
Composer: Dmitri Shostakovich (1906-1975)
Genre: Classical
Subgenre: Orchestral
Hilarion Alfeyev: De profundis
Metropolitan Hilarion Alfeyev is one of the most widely performed of all living Russian composers. Each of his new compositions constitutes a milestone in contemporary musical history. His ability to imbue his music with profound religious
Composer: Hilarion Alfeyev (1966 - )
Genre: Classical
Subgenre: Choral
Alfred Schnittke: 3rd Symphony
One hundred and eleven musicians celebrating a large-scale symphony that sounds like Gustav Mahler, Richard Strauss, or Arnold Schoenberg. In fact, the composer of this symphony, Alfred Schnittke, had precisely these composers (and many
Composer: Alfred Schnittke (1934-1998)
Genre: Classical
Subgenre: Orchestral
Spirit of the American Range (Live)
From its previous all-England recording, the Oregon Symphony turns to all-American music for its third classical recording under Carlos Kalmar's direction. "Spirit of the American Range" presents three American works from
Composer: George Antheil (1900-1959), Aaron Copland (1900-1990), Walter Piston (1894-1976)
Genre: Classical
Subgenre: Orchestral
Beethoven: Sonatas & Variations for Cello & Fortepiano
Having shared ideas and projects for some time, there was no doubt for PENTATONE to join forces with OXINGALE RECORDS. This is a union of two innovative and devoted recording companies with a long history of producing
Composer: Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
Genre: Classical
Subgenre: Chamber Music
Prokofiev & Khachaturian: Piano Concertos
Nareh Arghamanyan is not only one of the most technically resourceful pianists of today’s generation, but her interpretations, her rich and colourful tone, combined with an exceptional gift for storytelling also enable Ms. Arghamanyan ...
Composer: Aram Khachaturian, Sergei Prokofiev (1891-1953)
Genre: Classical
Subgenre: Concertos
Franck & Strauss: Sonatas for Violin & Piano
Violinist Arabella Steinbacher and pianist Robert Kulek continue their great collaboration with a new PENTATONE release, the recording of César Franck’s Sonata for Piano and Violin in A, which joins Richard Strauss’ Sonata for Violin ...
Composer: César Franck (1822-1890), Richard Strauss (1864-1949)
Genre: Classical
Subgenre: Concertos
Strauss, Liszt, Korngold, Busoni & Schreker: Orchestral Works
The second album in PENTATONE’s dance music series lets you savour the famously vibrant compositions from the German-speaking countries. Connected by the power of music, inspired by fin de siècle, this album glorifies the ...
Composer: Richard Strauss (1864–1949), Franz Liszt (1811–1886), Erich Wolfgang Korngold (1897–1957), Ferruccio Busoni (1866–1924), Franz Schreker (1878–1934), Richard Strauss (1864–1949)
Genre: Classical
Subgenre: Orchestral
Mozart: Violin Concertos Nos. 3, 4 & 5
Violinist Arabella Steinbacher studied her first Mozart Violin Concerto in G major at the age of eight. The legendary pianist Arthur Schnabel mentioned that the piano sonatas of Mozart are too easy for children yet too difficult for adults.
Composer: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)
Genre: Classical
Subgenre: Concertos
This recording of Tchaikovsky’s lesser-known Manfred Symphony tops off an outstanding complete recording of the six numbered symphonies. Those familiar with Pletnev’s Tchaikovsky project have impatiently been looking ...
Composer: Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Genre: Classical
Subgenre: Orchestral
Compiled by PENTATONE’s very own Dirk van Dijk, the February release of Creating Timeless Classics is pretty much every piece you would expect to be included, and then some. A good variety of music to please every palate, from an ...
Genre: Classical
Subgenre: Compilations
Elgar: The Dream of Gerontius & Symphony No. 1
'This is the best of me,' wrote Elgar in 1900 on completing his monumental „Dream of Gerontius.“ Now, more than a century later, this choral masterpiece is available for the first time on HighResAudio!
Genre: Classical
Subgenre: Choral
