EMI Classics is a British record company founded in 1990 to avoid the problem of country-specific packaging for classical releases distributed internationally.

Classical recordings were previously released simultaneously under combinations of Angel, Seraphim, Odeon, Columbia, His Master's Voice, and other labels, in part because competitors owned these names in some countries.

EMI Classics music catalog

EMI Classics holds a distinguished place in the history of classical music recording, known for its vast catalog that spans the history of Western classical music. From historic opera recordings to benchmark symphonic performances, the label helped define the standard for classical music interpretations throughout the 20th century, and its legacy continues today under Warner Classics.

EMI Classics was a prominent record label dedicated to classical music, a subsidiary of EMI Records, with a catalog that spanned centuries of classical music repertoire and included some of the most celebrated recordings by world-renowned artists, orchestras, and conductors. Originally part of the larger EMI group, EMI Classics was eventually absorbed by Warner Music Group in 2013 and became part of Warner Classics, but its vast catalog of recordings remains significant in the classical music world.

Overview of EMI Classics Catalog:

1. Historic Recordings: EMI Classics boasted a rich catalog that included iconic recordings from the early 20th century to the modern era. Some of the greatest musicians of the 20th century were recorded under EMI’s various labels, contributing to its vast library of classical music.

2. Legacy Artists: EMI Classics was renowned for recording some of the most celebrated conductors, soloists, and orchestras, helping to define classical music interpretations over decades.

3. Comprehensive Repertoire: The label’s catalog spanned a wide range of classical genres, from early music to contemporary classical, including operas, symphonies, chamber music, and solo instrumental works.

Notable Artists in EMI Classics Catalog:

1. Maria Callas: One of the most iconic opera singers of the 20th century, her recordings with EMI remain highly revered, including her interpretations of operas by Verdi, Puccini, and Bellini. Key recordings include:

   • La Traviata
   • Norma
   • Tosca

2. Herbert von Karajan: The renowned conductor recorded extensively for EMI Classics, especially during his tenure with the Philharmonia Orchestra and the Berlin Philharmonic. His recordings of symphonic repertoire are legendary, including:

   • Beethoven’s complete Symphonies with the Philharmonia Orchestra
   • Brahms' Symphonies with the Berlin Philharmonic

3. Sir Simon Rattle: The British conductor was closely associated with EMI Classics for much of his career, particularly with his work with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and later the Berlin Philharmonic. Notable recordings include:

   • Mahler’s Symphonies
   • Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring
   • Debussy's La Mer

4. Itzhak Perlman: The violin virtuoso’s recordings with EMI include definitive interpretations of violin concertos and solo works by composers such as Bach, Brahms, Beethoven, and Mendelssohn.

5. Jacqueline du Pré: The celebrated cellist recorded some of the most beloved interpretations of cello repertoire with EMI, including her renowned performance of Elgar’s Cello Concerto.

6. Sir Adrian Boult: Boult was one of the leading British conductors and made numerous recordings for EMI Classics, particularly of British composers like Edward Elgar, Vaughan Williams, and Gustav Holst.

7. Barbirolli and the Hallé Orchestra: Sir John Barbirolli’s recordings with the Hallé Orchestra of works by Elgar, Mahler, and Sibelius were also part of EMI Classics’ catalog.

Opera and Vocal Recordings:

EMI Classics was home to a vast collection of opera recordings, including complete operas and arias, featuring the world’s leading voices.

1. Plácido Domingo: One of the world’s greatest tenors, Domingo’s extensive discography with EMI includes complete operas and aria collections, such as:

   • Otello
   • Carmen
   • Turandot

2. Luciano Pavarotti: Although primarily associated with Decca, Pavarotti also recorded several important albums for EMI, including duets and collections of popular arias.

3. Angela Gheorghiu: The Romanian soprano gained international fame through her recordings with EMI Classics, including La Bohème, Tosca, and Madama Butterfly.

Orchestral and Symphonic Works:

EMI Classics had a deep catalog of orchestral and symphonic recordings, conducted by some of the most prestigious figures in classical music.

1. Otto Klemperer: The German conductor made definitive recordings of Beethoven, Brahms, and Mahler symphonies for EMI, notably with the Philharmonia Orchestra.

2. Sir Thomas Beecham: A central figure in British music, Beecham’s recordings of Mozart, Haydn, and French composers like Berlioz and Bizet are iconic.

3. Riccardo Muti: Another major conductor for EMI, Muti recorded extensively with the Philharmonia Orchestra and later with the La Scala Orchestra, focusing on Italian and Romantic repertoire.

Chamber Music and Solo Instrumental Recordings:

EMI Classics also released a wide array of chamber music and solo recordings from leading musicians, including:

1. Yehudi Menuhin: One of the 20th century’s most respected violinists, Menuhin’s extensive discography with EMI includes solo works and collaborations with other major artists.

2. Daniel Barenboim: As both a pianist and conductor, Barenboim recorded major works with EMI, including piano concertos, symphonies, and operas.

3. David Oistrakh: The Russian violinist’s recordings of the violin repertoire, including concertos by Tchaikovsky, Brahms, and Shostakovich, are highly regarded.

Iconic Releases and Series:

1. Great Recordings of the Century: EMI Classics’ reissue series featuring remastered editions of historic recordings by the label’s most famous artists, including Maria Callas, Herbert von Karajan, and others.

2. The Complete Works: EMI Classics also released complete works of famous composers like Beethoven, Bach, and Mozart, curated from its vast catalog of recordings.

Acquisition by Warner Classics:

In 2013, EMI Classics was absorbed by Warner Music Group as part of its acquisition of the EMI catalog. Since then, many of the recordings from the EMI Classics era have been reissued under the Warner Classics label, preserving the rich legacy of EMI’s contributions to classical music.