Simon Rattle and the Berliner Philharmoniker take on a myth with their complete performance of the last three symphonies by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The full diversity of Mozart’s symphonic style was on display when the Berliner Philharmoniker and Sir Simon Rattle presented the last three of these works at the 2013 season opening concert. It was also a perfect example of the orchestra’s Mozart style which during the Rattle era has seen an increased exploration of historical performance practice. The performances reveal a blend of transparency, orchestral warmth – and the inspiration of the conductor, about whom one critic wrote, “Simon Rattle deeply taps the potential of Mozart’s symphonies. […] He is not just a great musician, but a sentient artist through and through.”

Following on from the universal critical acclaim of their first album with Resonus (This Christmas Night - RES10113), the Choir of Worcester College, Oxford - under the direction of Stephen Farr - return with a second album of contemporary Christmas Carols.

This live concert recording features renowned Bruckner expert Stanisaw Skrowaczewski, who commands a rare position within the international musical scene, being both a renowned conductor and a highly-regarded composer. This recording is an interpretation of humility from nonagenarian Stanisaw Skrowaczewski, a performance in which the listener can hear the remarkable connection between conductor and the London Philharmonic Orchestra; the Orchestra has performed Bruckner's symphonies under his baton many times. Anton Bruckner's Fifth Symphony is one of the grandest of his so-called 'cathedrals in sound'. F

Italian bass Ferruccio Furlanetto is one of the most sought-after interpreters of French, Italian and Russian repertoire. Here he joins Valery Gergiev and the Mariinsky orchestra for a sumptuous recording of Massenet’s final great opera. Gergiev is no stranger to conducting Massenet, having recorded an outstanding performance of 'Hérodiade' in 1995 with Renée Fleming and Placido Domingo.

The second release on the Mariinsky label features Shostakovich's first and final symphonies. Valery Gergiev made award-winning recordings of Symphonies 4-9 for Philips, however he will release a complete cycle on the Mariinsky label, starting with the symphonies he has not previously recorded.