Accent Records is a prestigious Belgian classical music label founded in 1978 by Adelheid and Andreas Glatt. The label specializes in recordings of classical music spanning from the year 1500 to the 20th century, with a strong emphasis on works from the 17th and 18th centuries. Accent Records has built a reputation for high-quality recordings and for featuring performances on period instruments, contributing significantly to the historical performance movement.

Notable Artists

Accent Records has worked with a number of distinguished artists, many of whom are renowned for their expertise in early music. Here are some of the key artists associated with the label:

Solo Artists

• Luc Devos (Fortepiano): Known for his nuanced interpretations of classical and early romantic repertoire on period instruments.
• Paul Dombrecht (Oboe, Conductor): An accomplished oboist and conductor, particularly noted for his work in Baroque music.
• Roel Dieltiens (Cello): A celebrated cellist, acclaimed for his performances of both Baroque and contemporary music.
• René Jacobs (Countertenor): An influential figure in the early music revival, renowned for his expressive countertenor voice and as a conductor.
• Konrad Junghänel (Lute): A prominent lutenist, recognized for his interpretations of Renaissance and Baroque music.
• Robert Kohnen (Harpsichord): A distinguished harpsichordist with a broad repertoire spanning the early Baroque to the Classical period.
• Sigiswald Kuijken (Violin, Viola da Gamba, Conductor): A pioneer in the historical performance movement, especially noted for his work with the Baroque violin and viola da gamba.
• Barthold Kuijken (Flute): An expert in historical flute performance, known for his work on the Baroque and Classical transverse flute.
• Wieland Kuijken (Cello, Viola da Gamba): A virtuoso cellist and gambist, recognized for his profound interpretations of early music.
• Marcel Ponseele (Oboe): A leading oboist in the field of Baroque music, noted for his authentic performances on period instruments.
• Raphaella Smits (Guitar): A classical guitarist praised for her expressive and technically refined performances.
• Liuwe Tamminga (Organ): An organist specializing in Renaissance and Baroque music, known for his historically informed performances.
• Jos van Immerseel (Fortepiano): A fortepianist and conductor, esteemed for his interpretations of Classical and early Romantic repertoire.

Ensembles

• Erik Van Nevel with Currende (Vocal and Instrumental Ensemble): A vocal and instrumental ensemble known for its performances of Renaissance and Baroque choral works.
• La Petite Bande (Ensemble): Founded by Sigiswald Kuijken, this ensemble is renowned for its authentic performances of Baroque music, particularly the works of Bach and his contemporaries.
• La Colombina (Ensemble): A vocal ensemble specializing in Renaissance and early Baroque music.
• Concerto Palatino (Ensemble): An ensemble focused on the performance of Baroque music, particularly known for its brass and wind performances.

Accent Records redordings

Accent Records has made a significant impact on the classical music world, particularly in the field of early music. By working with top-tier artists and ensembles, the label has produced a wealth of recordings that are highly regarded for their authenticity, technical excellence, and interpretative depth.

The label's focus on historical performance practices has helped to popularize and legitimize the use of period instruments and techniques, providing listeners with a closer approximation of how this music might have sounded in its own time. This dedication to historically informed performance has cemented Accent Records' reputation as a leading label in the classical music industry.

Accent Records continues to be a vital platform for both well-established and emerging artists, fostering a deeper appreciation of classical music from the Renaissance to the early 20th century.