Escape the noise with Calm Classics - Soundscape of Serenity from Warner Classics. This meticulously curated collection gathers the most tranquil and restorative pieces from the classical canon, offering a sanctuary for the mind. Let the gentle melodies of Debussy, the serene harmonies of Satie, and the timeless beauty of Mozart wash over you, transforming any space into a haven of peace and contemplative calm. It is the ultimate auditory retreat for relaxation, meditation, and mindful focus.

Experience the grandeur of the Baroque with Bach Spectacular by the Kingsway Symphony Orchestra under the direction of George Camarata. Released on the Decca label in 1972, this album presents a powerful and accessible orchestral celebration of Johann Sebastian Bach's most iconic themes. The program features majestic, large-scale arrangements of his famous works, including the dramatic Toccata and Fugue in D minor, the profoundly moving Air on the G String, and excerpts from his monumental cantatas. Camarata's rich, cinematic interpretations highlight the timeless beauty and architectural brilliance of Bach's compositions, making this a truly "spectacular" entry point into the world of classical music.

Step into a world of vibrant passion and dramatic flair with Bizet Spectacular by the Kingsway Symphony Orchestra under the baton of George Camarata. Released by Decca in 1970, this album is a thrilling tour through the most electrifying works of Georges Bizet. From the fiery Spanish rhythms and unforgettable melodies of Carmen to the lush, romantic suites of L'Arlésienne, the orchestra delivers a powerful and dynamic performance that captures all the theatrical spectacle and emotional intensity of the composer's genius. It remains a quintessential and exhilarating recording for any classical collection.

When Ernest Chausson was born, it was still in the Berlioz era, his future teacher, César Franck, was 33; Jules Massenet, also his professor, was 13; and Gabriel Fauré, who would eventually become ‘the greatest musical authority in France at the time’, was only 10. Claude Debussy was not yet born. Interestingly, by a fatal twist of fate – a bicycle accident during a vacation – Chausson’s earthly path ended almost at the very end of the 19th century, although his late work already indicated the future horizon of music.

The London Philharmonic Orchestra continue to celebrate 20 years of their signature label with new recordings by key conductors in their artistic family. Edward Gardner, now in his fifth season as Principal Conductor, continues to shape the LPO’s distinctive sound with authority and brilliance. Gardner’s long-standing relationship with Tippett’s music is captured once again in this powerful live performance of A Child of Our Time.

Michael Schoch is equally at home on both the piano and organ - the best prerequisite for this recording of Reger's piano transcriptions of Bach's organ works! Lucid transparency characterises the performance of the celebrated ARD prizewinner, fed by a deep familiarity with both worlds, which Reger would also have appreciated.

Titanic, the project spearheaded by Mabe Fratti and Hector Tosta (aka I. la Católica), return with a sumptuous and life-affirming new album.

Pianist Peter Friis Johansson has brought together renowned musicians, including violinist Johan Dalene and soprano Sofie Asplund, for a programme that juxtaposes three generations of Swedish composers. The vocal and chamber works performed here testify to the special place these genres occupy in Swedish art music and to the vitality of musical societies in the early twentieth century, which sparked an interest that went far beyond easily digestible music.

Shrunken Elvis is a Nashville-based instrumental trio formed by Spencer Cullum, Sean Thompson, and Rich Ruth—three seasoned musicians bonded by a shared instinct for exploratory, genre-defying music. The group began on a 2022 European tour supporting Cullum’s solo material, composing on the move in a VW Passat packed with guitars, pedal steel and synths. Back home, they recorded in a makeshift shed studio during winter sessions, capturing the spontaneity and intimacy of their travels.

In his first studio album, legendary singer John Katokye shines an unprecedented light on the rich vocal music of the Banyankore and Bahororo people of Western Uganda, bringing to the fore two singing styles intimately anchored in their century-long practice of cattle herding. When still a young boy, Katokye ran away from home to immerse himself in the traditional songs of his region. Herding cattle in different farms to earn a living, he roamed his homeland singing for several decades, refining his art form one performance at a time. Now approaching his 60th birthday, Katokye has become arguably the most talented and popular traditional singer alive in his region today.

No matter what stylistic path they take, GREEN CARNATION have never shied away from grand, gloomy statements.

Several years ago, Grant-Lee Phillips was wandering the elegant halls of the Norton Simon Art Museum in Pasadena, California. Amid a collection of highly detailed paintings from India, some dating back to the 1800s, one particular work caught his eye. The accomplished singer, songwriter, and painter opened up his notebook and made a note of both the imagery of the painting and the ominous implications of its title. This notebook entry would one day come to inspire the title of Phillips’ 12th solo album, the self-produced In the Hour of Dust.

"El primer llanto" ("The First Cry") is the debut solo album from Spanish flamenco guitarist Alejandro Hurtado. The album's title is a metaphor that refers to birth and the foundational elements of the art of flamenco. It is a highly personal and mature work in which Hurtado showcases not only his virtuosic technique but also his deep understanding of tradition. All the compositions on the album are his own, crafted within the framework of traditional flamenco styles (palos) such as the taranta, seguiriya, and granaína, among others. "El primer llanto" is a tribute to the classic masters of flamenco guitar, performed with contemporary sensibility and impeccable artistry.

Last Night I Heard the Dog Star Bark is a hybrid of the ancient and the futuristic, where the arcane etchings of occult folk horror fuse with the unfathomable equations of the cosmos. A big bang, yes, but also an atom cleaved. On her latest album, this celebrated new champion of the finger-picked guitar looks upwards, outwards. somewhere beyond. Now the landscape is mapped – its knotted woodlands, its aurora-crowned mountains, its tangled undergrowth – Gwenifer Raymond hears the stars call.

Steven Harlos: Benniana; Robert Nelson: Suite of Characteristic Dances; Balentine: Strange Loops; Douglas, Bill: Suite cantando; Wolking: Trane's Thang.