Described as ‘a prince of the viola’ Maxim Rysanov plays much-loved Romantic repertoire for (or convincingly arranged for) viola and orchestra. In their beautiful new orchestral garbs these works retain the lightness and delicacy of their original versions. He will perform at the Melbourne Festival in October 2011.

French Baroque delights by Michel Pignolet de Monteclair, an admired contemporary of Francois Couperin. These solo voice cantatas are highly effective and dramatic 'mini-operas' with mythological or historical themes. ‘Emma Kirkby’s virtuosity is splendid, but so is her characterization...Outstanding’ (BBC Music magazine).

These are the crowning glories of Kalinnikov’s orchestral compositions, as melodic and richly orchestrated as Tchaikovsky’s better-known symphonies and composed at around the same time as Rimsky-Korsakov's beloved Sheherezade and Capriccio Espagnole. ‘real enthusiasm and fire’ (ClassicsToday on the MPO’s recordings of Rimsky-Korsakov’s symphonies - BISCD166768)

Acclaimed for her ‘sensuality and warmth’ (Sunday Times), renowned Soprano Miah Persson, interprets love songs by Robert and Clara Schumann. The Schumann’s own legendary love story finds timeless expression in these moving and intimate works about women in love, in pain and in emotional turmoil.

This latest volume in BIS's consistently praised series (Gramophone Editor’s Choices and other accolades) presents four cantatas composed during 1728-9 that set texts by Bach's contemporary Picander (Christian Friedrich Henrici) that range from jubilation to heartfelt anguish. Pristine performances and superb recorded sound.

The Adelaide Symphony Orchestra joins acclaimed solo violinist Adele Anthony on the only CD recording currently available of Ross Edwards’ Maninyas - an iconic Australian violin concerto, brimming with dancing rhythms and serene spirituality - and an excellent rendition of Sibelius's much-loved violin concerto.

Louis Spohr’s symphonies were popular for their novel style and spirit, quite different from those of his contemporary Beethoven. Schumann regarded Spohr's symphonies very highly, particularly for their instrumentation, and modern listeners are rediscovering them. The highly-praised Vol 1 (CPO7771772) & Vol 2 (CPO7771782) are also available.

These six of Mozart's earlier and shorter symphonies composed between 1769 and 1770 are vividly played and beautifully recorded. The Danish National Chamber Orchestra and Adam Fischer have developed a unique – and widely acclaimed – Mozart sound. Vols 4 (6220539), 5 (6220540), 6 (6220541), 7 (6220542) & 8 (6220543) are also available.

A pioneer of Soviet film music, Shostakovich wrote scores for 30 films between 1929 and 1971, recreating and evoking emotions to merely making colorful sound pictures. Shostakovich’s film music is hugely enjoyable and essential for all who love his other music - these film scores are rare treats indeed!

A must-have album for Austen fans. Includes Jane Austen’s 3 favourite songs plus a dozen more premiere recordings all using an authentic 1817 Broadwood fortepiano. Indeed, the composer JB Cramer is the only composer she actually named in her novels (Emma).

World premiere recordings. Delectable and tuneful French Romantic music with a touch of Oriental exoticism. Lovers of Romantic orchestral music will respond to these beautifully crafted and highly enjoyable works, especially in such brilliant performances as can be heard here.

Remastered from original tapes made at the height of Bernard Hermann’s recording career, this album features 'Concert hall jazz’ by four great composers. Kurt Weill's biting songs Mack the Knife, Instead of, The Good Life Foxtrot, Polly’s Song; Tango and The Big Shots Charleston contrast with Gershwin's sparkling Variations, while the works by Milhaud and Stravinksy assimilate various aspects of early jazz.

Australian educated fortepianist Kristian Bezuidenhout performs in July-August with the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra. This new recording of two of Mendelssohn's youthful concertos is based on recently published critical editions and gives pure delight from start to finish!

Includes the famous Minuet and Fandango, which conjures night life in 18th-century Madrid, and the String Quartet, with its tribute to the Viennese Classical style. Brilliantly played and recorded, this album gives Boccherini's music an appealing immediacy for modern listeners.

A frequent and popular visitor to Australia, pianist Stephen Hough gives compelling performances of these evergreen waltzes. His affinity with Chopin's music has gained critical accoldaes: 'totally convincing' (The Guardian), 'seductive warmth and clarity' (Sunday Times), 'Chopin interpretation at its very best' (Gramophone). Chopin’s Late Masterpieces (CDA67764) and Ballades & Scherzos (CDA67456) are also available.

Romantic cello sonatas performed with luminous virtuosity by a critically-acclaimed young partnership. ‘a convincing showcase...warmly lyrical..fiery vigour ’ (Classic Music Magazine). Ludwig Thuille's little-known Cello Sonata sits well besides those of Brahms and Richard Strauss.

Shot in the Chateau of Versailles, this DVD presents 90 min of great Baroque and early Classical music by Landi, Lully, Charpentier, Campra, couperin, Marchand, Rameau, Destouches, Duphly, Mozart, Piccini, Haydn, Gluck, Cambini and Gallay. Take an unforgettable musical tour through one of the world's great palaces.

Recorded live in the Tonhalle Dusseldorf in 2010 and visualised by acclaimed director Johannes Deutsch. ‘The visual impact is truly spectacular and combines with the words and music to create a unified whole...With his youthful, honest diction, Johann von Bulow is an impressive Manfred’ (Das Opernglas)

Jenufa is English soprano Amanda Roocroft’s signature role. Recorded live at the Teatro Real in October 2009, this production has been praised for its  ‘extraordinary tension and sensitivity...wonderful playing’ (Seen and Heard International). Also on Blu-ray OABD7089D.

The Wagner family has ruled the Bayreuth Theatre for the last 140 years, surviving a mixture of lies, deception, fraud and dangerous political alliances. Tony Palmer’s probing new documentary reveals a family at war with itself. ‘The Wagner Family is a superb film’ (The Times).