ICYMI: Weekend Specials at ArkivMusic

Bach: Complete Organ Works / Foccroulle

This edition of the complete organ works of Johann Sebastian Bach performed by Bernard Foccroulle was recorded between 1982 and 1997 on a series of splendid historical instruments and provides a clear picture of Bach’s development as a composer of instrumental music. This complete edition also contains works attributed to Bach as well as the recording of the Chorale Fantasia Wo Gott der Herr BWV 1128 that has only been rediscovered in 2008.

Peaceful Guitar - The Spanish Collection

Experience the beauty and tranquility of Spain with a captivating collection of peaceful guitar music, crafted by some of the country’s most iconic composers. This unique compilation brings together over three hours of enchanting melodies that celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Spain. Perfect for creating a serene atmosphere, this collection will transport you to a world of timeless elegance and natural beauty. The Spanish guitar is more than just an instrument; it is a symbol of Spain’s soul, evoking images of sun-drenched landscapes, vibrant festivals, and quiet evenings under starlit skies. This collection showcases the works of legendary composers such as Isaac Albéniz, Manuel de Falla, Francisco Tárrega, Federico Moreno-Torroba, and many others. Their compositions capture the essence of Spanish folklore and traditions, blending passion and grace in every note. Featured in this collection are some of the most beloved pieces in classical guitar repertoire. From the mesmerizing arpeggios of Recuerdos de la Alhambra to the dynamic energy of Asturias, each piece tells its own story. 

$14.99 $18.99 2025 Release

Bartok & Beethoven: Face2Face

The new album Face2Face is an extraordinary experience that juxtaposes the iconic String Quartets of Beethoven with the avant-garde compositions of modern masters. This first volume in an ongoing series showcases how Beethoven’s innovative spirit laid the groundwork for generations of composers to come. Featuring iconic classical pieces from Beethoven’s and Bartók’s repertoire, this album is a must-have for both classical enthusiasts and adventurous listeners alike. Performed by the award-winning Amaryllis Quartett, whose accolades include the prestigious 1st prize at the 6th International Chamber Music Competition in Melbourne (2011), this release promises to illuminate the brilliance of Beethoven's work while exploring the bold expressions of contemporary composition.

Remember: 130 Years of Canadian Choral Music

"Remember: 130 Years of Canadian Choral Music" / 2024 marks the 130th anniversary of the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, one of Canada's oldest, largest and most recognized choral ensembles. Currently under the direction of Jean-Sebastien Vallee, the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir is proud to celebrate it's anniversary with the release of the album, Remember. Many of the works featured on this double CD set are pieces of Canadian choral music history that have a symbolic or special meaning for the choir. 

MADLANDS
 

MADLANDS marks the PENTATONE debut of pianist and composer Yang Bao, offering a stunningly beautiful and audacious journey into what it means to be human amid the rising tides of artificial intelligence and ecological upheaval. Written for piano, six strings, and a palette of analog synthesizers; Bao’s eleven compositions reimagine identity and belonging in a world where human, machine, and nature coexist in delicate, suspenseful symbiosis. The album opens with a powerful trilogy—The Riddle, Baby Beast, and Hold Your Breath—where classical form meets electronic sound, creating a visceral, futuristic landscape. Drawing on his visual art practice, Bao pairs this sonic vision with his striking artwork, reflecting the duality between the visible and the invisible. MADLANDS is an album for the future—a contemplative, bold, and deeply human exploration of consciousness, connection, and the fragile beauty of a world in flux.

Jolivet: Chamber Music

A fine Danish chamber ensemble brings together a unique compilation of chamber pieces by an overshadowed contemporary of Messiaen. The music of André Jolivet is slowly being revived after decades of neglect, enabling us to discover a distinctive voice in the kaleidoscopic variety of 20th-century French music. The Serenade for wind quintet, opening this collection of chamber music, casts a mystic air in its opening Cantilene before breaking off into wild peals of instrumental laughter in the Caprice. From 1968, the Controversia for oboe and harp finds Jolivet at his most gesturally experimental, drawing on the combined talents and innovative techniques of Heinz and Ursula Holliger. The Pastorales de Noël for flute, bassoon, and harp fulfil a brief for picturesque and festive illustration, whereas the sonatinas for flute and clarinet (1961) and oboe and bassoon swoop and flutter with unpredictably Stravinskian fluidity between their instruments. The album is enhanced by a new essay from Paul Griffiths, a pre-eminent authority on new and modern music.