At the beginning of the 17th century the Brussels court experienced an extraordinary cultural splendour thanks to the Archdukes Albert and Isabella Clara Eugenia, during a period of peace and prosperity in the Southern Low Countries under Spanish Habsburg rule. The sovereigns, who were great collectors and patronized artists such as Brueghel de Velours and Rubens, maintained a magnificent musical chapel with a substantial number of Spanish, Italian and English musicians. It was in this context that the work of the Zaragoza native Pedro Ruimonte unfolded. Master of chamber music under the Archdukes, his Parnaso español (1614) represents one of the capstones in the history of Spanish music.

Anticipating the 50th anniversary of Orpheus Chamber Orchestra in 2022, we present their complete recordings on DG. The intriguing sound culture of Orpheus, especially of the string section, is often explained as a result of the cooperative mindset of the orchestra and its artistic process of rehearsing.

Although the first violin virtuosos came mainly from Cremona, Brescia or Mantua, it was Venice that swiftly emerged as the principal centre for the development of instrumental music. Moreover, it was there that most collections of this music were printed all through the seventeenth century. It is curious to note that all these virtuosos obviously enjoyed sharing their success with their colleagues: for, alongside works for one or two violins and continuo, almost all the composer-violinists gathered together on this disc conceived sonate, canzone or sinfonie for ensembles of three or four violins. In addition, these compositions often make use of bichoral or echo effects.

Wolf is a 1982 album by Bill Wolfer that blends early 80s synth-pop with elements of disco, funk, and soul, creating a polished yet rhythm-driven sound typical of the transition era between late disco and emerging electronic pop. The album showcases Wolfer’s strong background as a keyboardist and producer, with a heavy emphasis on synthesizers, layered arrangements, and groove-oriented basslines. Tracks like “Call Me” and “Window On A Dream” reflect a smooth fusion of electronic textures and soulful melodies, while others such as “Papa Was A Rollin' Stone” reinterpret classic material through a modernized synth-driven lens. The production balances dancefloor energy with atmospheric passages, giving the album both commercial appeal and experimental depth for its time. Overall, Wolf stands as a representative example of early 80s studio craftsmanship, where analog funk aesthetics began merging with digital synth innovation.

Double Knit Dance Hits is a 1993 compilation that brings together some of the most iconic disco, funk, and soul-influenced dance tracks from the late 1970s and early 1980s. Released by Sony Music under the Risky Business imprint, the album captures the energy and vibrancy of classic dancefloor culture, showcasing both mainstream hits and extended club mixes. Featuring legendary artists such as Earth, Wind & Fire, Lipps, Inc., Cheryl Lynn, and Van McCoy, the collection highlights the golden era of groove-driven music where rhythm, basslines, and orchestration defined the dance experience. Extended versions like “Born To Be Alive” and “This Time Baby” emphasize the DJ culture of the time, allowing tracks to evolve into longer, more immersive dance arrangements. The compilation maintains a consistent upbeat and nostalgic tone, making it a strong snapshot of disco’s lasting influence on modern dance and electro-funk sounds.

The Band Of Gold Album is a mid-1980s soul, funk, and disco release that reflects the transition period between classic disco and more modern European dance productions. The album is built around extended groove-based arrangements, combining romantic vocal lines with steady rhythmic foundations designed for both radio and club environments. Its production style is smooth and polished, typical of mid-80s disco-funk records, with emphasis on melody, repetition, and danceable structure. Tracks such as “This Is Our Time” and the extended “Love Songs Are Back Again” highlight the group’s focus on long-form arrangements that allow instrumental sections and vocal hooks to develop gradually. The album maintains a consistent romantic and uplifting mood throughout, blending soulful expressions of love with energetic disco rhythms. Overall, it represents a nostalgic snapshot of 1980s dance music culture, balancing funk-driven basslines, disco orchestration, and accessible pop-soul songwriting.

Simply Spa Chill is a four-disc compilation designed as an immersive relaxation experience, blending ambient textures, Eastern-inspired instrumentation, and meditative electronic soundscapes. Released in 2010 by Union Square Music, the collection focuses on creating a continuous atmosphere of calm and introspection, making it ideal for spa environments, meditation sessions, or background listening during relaxation. Across its four discs, the album explores a wide range of ambient styles—from deep, slow-moving drone-like compositions to rhythmic yet subtle chill-out grooves influenced by world music traditions. Artists such as Orient Expressions, Prem Gulshan, Karma Soundz, and Akash Asher contribute richly layered tracks that emphasize space, tone, and mood over traditional song structure. The music often incorporates soft percussion, ethnic instrumentation, and flowing synth pads to evoke a sense of serenity and emotional balance. Overall, Simply Spa Chill delivers a cohesive and extended journey into ambient tranquility and Eastern-influenced chill-out aesthetics.

Heart Of Soul 2 is a smooth R&B and contemporary soul compilation released in 2001 by Hip-O Records, focusing on some of the most influential vocal performances of the 1990s and early 2000s. The collection highlights the evolution of modern soul music into polished, radio-friendly R&B while still preserving emotional depth and vocal richness. Featuring iconic artists such as Mary J. Blige, Boyz II Men, Brian McKnight, Blackstreet, and Dru Hill, the album showcases a blend of romantic ballads and mid-tempo grooves centered on love, relationships, and emotional expression. Each track emphasizes strong vocal delivery and lush production, reflecting the peak era of 90s R&B sophistication. From heartfelt ballads like “I’ll Make Love to You” to smooth groove tracks like “Before I Let You Go,” the compilation maintains a consistent mood of romance and intimacy. Overall, it serves as a strong snapshot of mainstream soul-infused R&B during its most commercially successful era.

Heart Of Soul Classics 2 is a carefully curated compilation that celebrates the golden era of soul music, bringing together legendary artists and timeless recordings that defined R&B, funk, and classic pop soul. Released in 2001 by Hip-O Records, the collection highlights emotionally rich performances characterized by smooth vocal delivery, lush arrangements, and deeply expressive songwriting. The track selection spans romantic ballads and groove-driven soul cuts, showcasing the evolution of the genre through the 1970s and 1980s. Iconic voices such as Marvin Gaye, Barry White, Smokey Robinson, Lionel Richie, and Patti LaBelle appear alongside groups like Atlantic Starr and Rufus featuring Chaka Khan, each contributing signature performances that shaped modern soul music. The compilation flows with a strong emotional consistency, focusing on themes of love, heartbreak, and connection. Overall, it serves as a strong snapshot of classic soul excellence and enduring musical craftsmanship.