Our critics have meticulously curated a list of the standout classical albums of 2025, featuring a diverse array of music from large orchestral compositions to intimate chamber works, as well as operas and solo performances. This year’s selection emphasizes both celebrated maestros and lesser-known talents, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of the current classical music landscape.

We invite you to share your thoughts: which classical albums have captivated your interest, and which releases do you believe we’ve overlooked? Join the discussion in the comments below.

Firedove
Sony Classical ★★★☆☆
Anna Lapwood stands out in today’s organ music scene, bridging the gap between traditional and contemporary works. This album features 16 tracks encompassing a spectrum of genres, including classical staples and modern pieces from film and pop music. With collaborators such as Jess Gillam and Elena Urioste, the recording highlights Lapwood’s virtuosity against the vibrant backdrop of Nidaros Cathedral in Norway.

While Lapwood’s performance is compelling, the selection of pieces raises questions about the diversity of compositional styles. The recurring formula of calmer openings leading to loud crescendos feels somewhat repetitive. By track nine, the desire for more dynamic and robust organ pieces had grown apparent, with only a few exceptions providing significant depth.

Benjamin Appl

For Dieter
Alpha Classics ★★★★☆
This tribute to the legendary baritone Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau comes from his former student, Benjamin Appl. The album, packaged as a classy CD book, reflects on Fischer-Dieskau’s complex life experiences through a selection of songs both from his classic repertoire and contemporary compositions. Accompanied by pianist James Ballieu, Appl’s interpretations range in style but display a compelling depth, especially in quieter passages.

Additional Highlights

Yeol Eum Son

Ravel
Naïve
This South Korean pianist presents a dynamic interpretation of Ravel’s two piano concertos, recorded live with the Residentie Orkest. The performance stands out for its lively tempos and lyrical beauty, capturing Ravel’s essence. The second concerto for the left hand is slightly less exhilarating but maintains clarity and strength.

Charlotte Saluste-Bridoux

Schubert
Delphian
A prizewinner from the Young Classical Artists Trust, Saluste-Bridoux excels in both delicate and powerful expressions. Her collaboration with pianist Joseph Havlat traverses the lyrical realms of Schubert’s compositions, particularly shining in the poignant transcriptions included in the album, like “Sei mir gegrüsst”.

Christian Gerhaher

Brahms
Sony Classical
Gerhaher’s Brahms songs album features his robust baritone voice, expertly navigating the emotional landscape of these romantic lieder. His heartfelt interpretations offer a rich listening experience, though the density of the program may benefit from strategic breaks to highlight the emotional nuances.

Alex Paxton

Delicious
New Amsterdam Records
This album exhibits the eclectic prowess of composer Alex Paxton, blending classical, jazz, and experimental sounds into a cohesive and engaging experience. Paxton’s innovative creations defy expectations and maintain a vibrant energy throughout.

Barbara Hannigan

Electric Fields
Alpha Classics
Known for her versatility, Hannigan explores 12th-century plainsong, adorned with contemporary adaptations and technology. This album offers an adventurous soundscape blending ancient and modern elements, though the complexity may not appeal to all audiences.

Nicola Benedetti

Beethoven
Decca
Benedetti’s interpretation of the Violin Concerto is vibrant and effusive, charged with energy and a joyous spirit. Each movement sparkles with clear intention, prompting listeners to engage further with Beethoven’s timeless work.

Eleonora Buratto

Indomita
Pentatone
This debut album by Italian soprano Eleonora Buratto showcases her capabilities across a spectrum of operatic selections. The meticulous performances exhibit her vocal prowess but may tread into overly dramatic territory at times.

Christian Curnyn

Jephtha
Chandos
In this captivating portrayal of Maurice Greene’s work, the early baroque operatic sounds resonate beautifully. Curnyn’s ensemble delivers spirited performances that bring the narrative to life with emotional poignancy.

Leif Ove Andsnes

Franz Liszt
Sony Classical
This album invites listeners into Liszt’s ethereal late works, with Andsnes’s delicate playing shedding light on the composer’s contemplative period. The arrangement is immersive and ensures that every moment resonates.

Raphaël Pichon

Bach: Mass in B minor
Harmonia Mundi
Pichon’s interpretation of Bach’s monumental work employs swift tempos that breathe vitality into each section, creating an electrifying experience despite the occasional imbalance between voices and instruments.

Patricia Kopatchinskaja

Exile
Alpha Classics
Kopatchinskaja’s vibrant performances of various compositions delve into themes of displacement and identity. This nuanced exploration raises questions about expression and cultural awareness within the context of exile.

Maxwell Quartet

Haydn
Linn
The concluding volume of the Maxwell Quartet’s Haydn series presents the final two string quartets with energy and finesse. Their spirited interpretations, combined with Scottish folk influences, result in captivating listening experiences.

In conclusion, 2025 is poised to be an enriching year for classical music enthusiasts, showcasing a range of innovative performances and productions that continue to push the boundaries of the genre.