The September 2011 issue of Gramophone celebrates the 80th anniversary of the world-famous Abbey Road Studios. From the opening with Elgar on the podium to recordings featuring the greats of today, such as conductor Antonio Pappano and soprano Angela Gheorghiu – via of course the Beatles – this north London address has become an iconic place for all music lovers. Martin Cullingford talks to many of the performers and pioneers who have helped shape its history. You can also listen to some of the most important recordings made at Abbey Road on the Gramophone Player – featuring such artists as Du Pré and Barenboim, Elgar, Menuhin and Previn.

Elsewhere in the issue, Andrew Mellor argues the case for the greatness of Carl Nielsen and suggests we might at last be on the brink of a major, reputation-shifting revival of the composer.

Interviews in the new issue include with Kent Nagano on musical life in Montreal, and violinist and conductor Gábor Takács-Nagy on his new role in Manchester. And in this month's Collection Geraint Lewis explores the recordings of Elgar's Second Symphony and chooses his favourites. You can listen to excerpts from his chosen recordings, as well as from all the Editor's Choice recordings, including the DVD and Reissue of the month, at the Gramophone Player, as well as read the reviews of the month's leading releases, while the magazine itself contains reviews of more than 140 recordings.

And don't forget, you can also now buy Gramophone as a digital magazine - click here to find out more.