BBC muSIC MAGAZINE AWARDS 2025

VOTE NOW and help choose the best classical recordings of the past 12 months

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IT’S TIME FOR YOU TO VOTE for the best classical recordings of the past 12 months. Our critics reviewed many wonderful recordings last year; some were hotly anticipated albums from much-loved artists, while others were first outings from incredible rising stars. From familiar repertoire reimagined to thrilling new music that pushed boundaries, it all made for yet another memorable musical year. The jury has deliberated after hours of listening and the nominations for the BBC Music Magazine Awards 2025 have now been revealed – read on for full details. The winners are up to you, though, so visit classical-music.​com/ awards now and cast your votes. Voting closes at midnight on Friday 28 February, with the winners revealed at our Awards ceremony at London’s Kings Place on Wednesday 23 April.

Fauré Schoenberg

Schoenberg: Pelleas und Melisande; Fauré: Pelléas et Mélisande Frankfurt Radio Symphony/Paavo Järvi Alpha Classics ALPHA1058

Reviewed October 2024

No sooner had this recording of Schoenberg’s symphonic poem been released than it became the new benchmark (see Building a Library, August 2024). It was no surprise that it, along with the Fauré, was made ‘Orchestral Choice’ when it was reviewed, our critic citing the performance’s ‘sheer conviction and intensity’.

Smetana Má vlast Czech

Philharmonic/Semyon Bychkov Pentatone PTC 518 7203

Reviewed April 2024

This take on Smetana’s six-part portrait of his beloved Bohemia was a highlight release during the composer’s bicentenary year.