Discover a broad range of this year's most compelling classical recordings, including symphonic booty-shakers, mystic violin, pipe organ prog and a guided tour of 18th century German chart-toppers.


The 10 Best Classical Albums of 2025

Guitarist Sean Shibe pushes his instrument to the limit in new music written for him by Thomas Adès, and softens the vibe with intimate pieces by Bach, Mompou and the eccentric street musician Moondog.


Sean Shibe performs an eclectic Tiny Desk Concert

Snider's supercharged relationship with her art form and open-book stance on depression and anxiety shine through in her new opera, which debuts this week in Los Angeles.


Composer Sarah Kirkland Snider loves music so much, she might just eat it

For a century, the tiny Coolidge Auditorium, at the Library of Congress, has been a wellspring of cultural integrity, innovative music and American ingenuity. (And free concerts.)


One of music's best kept secrets celebrates 100 years, quietly

Known for his intellectual and illuminating touch on the podium, the refined conductor was also surprisingly outspoken when it came to politics and his peers.


Christoph Von Dohnányi, longtime conductor of the Cleveland Orchestra, has died

In a new album, the youngest ever Van Cliburn winner puts his own stamp on Tchaikovsky's undervalued set of piano pieces called The Seasons.


How Yunchan Lim changed my mind about Tchaikovsky's 'Seasons'

The Lithuanian composer, now based in New York, creates layered, deliberate music that she hopes will grant listeners the freedom to enter an altered state of mind.


Meet Žibuoklė Martinaitytė, the composer who wants to get inside your head

At age 60, the Mexican composer has finally won the recognition she deserves, with new recordings, prestigious residencies and a star conductor championing her music.


It's time to listen to the bold music of Gabriela Ortiz

The venerated string quartet makes a stop on its 50th anniversary tour to play music from the dawn of the string quartet era right up to the present.


Takács Quartet performs a Tiny Desk Concert as part of its 50th anniversary tour

The 12th-century abbess, scientist and composer inspires new interpretations of her music, and new works, on an album spotlighting soprano Barbara Hannigan.


Tom Huizenga

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