Charles Koechlin’s First Symphony has had to wait almost a century before receiving this, its first authoritative recording under conductor Ariane Matiakh, who spent more than a year painstakingly preparing the performance materials. Her recording of Koechlin’s Seven Stars Symphony (C5449) was critically acclaimed: ‘[Matiakh's] lucid and profound knowledge of these scores allows her to expose every minute detail of this glittering array of sounds that are nothing short of spellbinding.’ (Classical Music Daily) With her recording of the First Symphony, we now have a welcome further foray into the largely unexplored symphonic world of a fascinating composer, a sort of French chameleon, who felt comfortable turning between Bachian counterpoint and the heights of French impressionism. The earlier symphonic poem Au loin and 3 Mélodies (orchestrated posthumously) complete this wonderful programme.

Lepo Sumera (1950–2000) was one of the most important figures in Estonian music following World War Two. He might also be considered one of the most important European symphonists during the last quarter of the 20th century, when he wrote his impressive series of six symphonies that embody imaginative orchestral colour and a skilful sense of structure. American composer John Adams was one of his great admirers, yet despite all this Sumera’s symphonies have been recorded only once before. Performed by the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra under their music director and chief conductor Olari Elts, this first in the series of recordings of all Sumera's symphonies includes the first and last in glorious interpretations, recorded and engineered by the composer’s son. The fact that the orchestra gave the first performances of Sumera's First (1981), Second (1984), Third (1988) and Sixth (2000) Symphonies assures authoritative performances.

Gli uccellatori (The Bird Catchers) was first staged in Venice in 1759 and proved so successful that the dramma giocoso was widely performed over the next decade throughout Italy, Spain, Poland and Germany, before reaching Vienna in 1768. Its composer, the distinguished Bohemian Florian Leopold Gassmann, was both a teacher of Salieri and Gluck’s nominated successor as Court Kapellmeister in Vienna. The plot, based on a libretto by Carlo Goldoni, concerns amorous intrigues and the buffo antics of three bird catchers and two knowing maids. Gli uccellatori brims with abundant melody, a vibrant atmosphere, spirited wit and theatrical charm. This world premiere recording of the opera was made at the Festival Della Valle d’Itria, Martina Franca.

Celebrating their 30th anniversary in 2025, the renowned Genova & Dimitrov Piano Duo has been honoured with numerous international awards and acclaim for their recordings. They now appear on the Oehms Classics label for the first time with the opening instalment of their 3-volume series of Debussy's complete works for piano duo. The programme includes both familiar and lesser-known pieces, some of which are versions of orchestral works, such as the famous Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune. The recording was made in co-operation with the WDR broadcasting company.