The young Novosibirsk-born pianist Pavel Kolesnikov has made a splash in London not only by virtue of his technical facility – perhaps nobody on the scene today can manage a perfectly smooth surface at low volumes the way he can – but also with unusual programming. Some may find his programs perverse, but there is generally some method to them, and in cases like the present one they may be revelatory. Beethoven's sonatas are routinely presented in various kinds of groupings, but it is rare indeed that they are put down in the middle of groups of small pieces, many of them "WoO," or without opus number.

The three orchestral suites on this disc afford splendid examples of Telemann's seemingly inexhaustible invention in this sphere. The best-known of the suites is that in C major for three oboes, bassoon and strings. It's one of countless pieces that demonstrate Telemann's sympathy for and knowledge of the oboe. The movements are effectively contrasted with the composer juxtaposing for example a vigorous Bourree en trompette with a drowsy ''Sommeille'' whose somnolent quavers have almost hypnotic powers. Pinnock revels in scene-painting of this kind, just as he invariably hits upon effective tempos for the dances.

Ahead of the curve as ever, in 1972 The Residents turned their back on the mainstream music industry and established their own Ralph Records imprint, taking control of every aspect of the recording, design and manufacturing process of their records. Over the next decade, Ralph would release numerous seminal singles and albums by a diverse range of artists from both the US and Europe, capturing the zeitgeist perfectly in the era of punk and new wave, when the DIY aesthetic went overground. Featuring key singles, vital album tracks and a number of recordings appearing on CD for the first time, as well as previously unheard material from Schwump, Snakefinger, MX-80 Sound and Gary Panter, ‘Buy Or Die!’ is not only an insight into The Residents’ world but also into the workings of their DIY mindset, with most of the tracks here being recorded in the group’s own studio, and released in artwork produced by their own graphics department. From established names such as Yello and The Residents themselves, to lesser-known gems by Fred Frith, Tuxedomoon et al, this is a distinctive snapshot of that experimental and open-minded time and place, as seen through the lense of one of America’s most adventurous artists.

One of the greatest stars of the rock & roll era, Elton John exploded like a supernova in the early 1970s and sustained a career that kept him at the top of the charts for the next five decades. He had a Billboard Top 40 hit single every year between 1970 and 1996, a sign that he knew how to both change with the times and mold the times to fit him. John's earliest records were part of the moody, introspective post-'60s singer/songwriter movement, but once he had a hit with "Your Song," the pianist revealed he could also craft Beatles-like pop and pound out rockers with equal aplomb. As "Rocket Man," "Crocodile Rock," "Daniel," "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road," and "Bennie and the Jets" – songs John wrote with his lifelong collaborator Bernie Taupin – climbed into the Top Ten on either side of the Atlantic, John was inescapable during the first half of the '70s. His versatility, combined with his effortless melodic skills, and flamboyant stage shows, became his calling cards, sustaining him through shifts in fame and fortune. Eventually, John reached outside of pop music, writing songs for Disney's The Lion King and collaborating with Tim Rice on Aida, yet he never abandoned the form: during the 2010s and 2020s, he balanced fashionable collaborations with emerging stars with albums that hearkened back to his moody records of the early '70s. In 2024, he joined the elite group of EGOT winners after earning an Emmy Award for his concert special Elton John Live: Farewell from Dodger Stadium.

"Second Navigation" (1981) is an album by Spectrum 4, a jazz collective led by John McLaughlin, the famous guitarist known for his pioneering contributions to jazz fusion. The album is part of McLaughlin's work under his Spectrum project, which focuses on blending jazz, rock, and Indian classical music into a unique fusion sound.

An opera with a rich vein of musical ideas; sumptuous and original sets; a little-known German Romantic composer; high-level interpreters (among them Anna Caterina Antonacci, a star of international renown): these are the ingredients of Hans Heiling, staged in 2004 in Cagliari under the scrupulous and refined baton of Renato Palumbo. There is no doubt that this timeless story of gnomes and spirits, love and suffering, supernatural powers and mortal beauty will captivate many opera lovers.

"Ascent" (2008) is an album by Tyler Rix, a British composer, saxophonist, and music producer known for his work that blends contemporary jazz, electronic, and ambient influences. Rix's music is characterized by a smooth and atmospheric sound, often combining traditional instrumental jazz elements with modern production techniques and electronic textures.

"Openers!" (2014) is an album by The Airmen of Note, the United States Air Force Band's premier jazz ensemble. The Airmen of Note has a long-standing tradition of delivering high-quality jazz performances, and "Openers!" showcases their big band jazz style, featuring a combination of classic jazz standards, new arrangements, and original compositions. This album highlights the virtuosity, precision, and musicality of the ensemble, along with the band's ability to capture the essence of the American jazz tradition while adding a contemporary twist.

"Hamster Attack" (1988) is an album by Jean-François Pauvros, a French guitarist and composer known for his experimental and avant-garde approach to music. Pauvros has been involved in a variety of musical genres, including jazz, rock, free improvisation, and experimental music, and this album represents his exploration of more experimental, boundary-pushing sounds.

"Ascribing Greatness To Yah" (1999) is an album by the Godel band, a musical project that blends elements of progressive rock and metal, with a particular focus on exploring spiritual and philosophical themes. The title of the album and the band's name suggests a connection to deeper, possibly religious or theological subjects, with the term "Yah" referencing a shortened form of Yahweh, a name for God in the Hebrew Bible. The album likely incorporates complex musical structures and introspective lyrics that reflect on the nature of divinity, greatness, and existence.

"VA - Burlesque in Jazz" (1990) is a compilation album that celebrates the fusion of burlesque music with jazz influences, showcasing a mix of playful, seductive, and often sultry jazz performances. The album combines the sultry atmosphere of burlesque with the complex rhythms and melodies of jazz, reflecting the connection between the two art forms, especially from the early to mid-20th century.

"A View From The Side" (1996) is an album by The Bill Holman Band, a jazz ensemble led by the renowned Bill Holman, an American composer and arranger. Known for his intricate arrangements and ability to create dynamic, high-energy jazz music, Holman’s work with his band has been highly influential in the world of big band jazz.

"VA - Sinners Lounge: The Latin Sessions" (2006) is a compilation album that blends Latin rhythms with chillout, lounge, and downtempo music. It forms part of the Sinners Lounge series, which is known for its laid-back and sophisticated sound, mixing elements of jazz, electronic music, and world influences. This particular edition emphasizes Latin-inspired beats, showcasing the fusion of Latin music with modern, relaxing chillout sounds.

"VA - Azuli Presents Ibiza 11: Future Sound Of The Dance Underground" (2011) is a compilation album that captures the essence of Ibiza's underground dance scene, featuring a mix of deep house, tech house, and electronic dance music (EDM). Released by Azuli Records, a label known for its focus on quality house and dance music, this album is part of a series that highlights the sounds of Ibiza, the iconic island known for its vibrant club culture and world-class DJs.

"DJ List - Sunshine Latino Mix (Mon Cafe Open Air Deluxe '03)" (2003) is a compilation album that blends upbeat Latin rhythms with a laid-back, lounge vibe, perfect for outdoor gatherings or beachside events. It was released as part of the Mon Cafe Open Air Deluxe series, which is known for featuring smooth, chillout, and downtempo mixes with an exotic or tropical twist. This particular volume is likely curated by a DJ known for their expertise in Latin and chillout music, hence the name "DJ List" in the title.