Gramophone | July 2025

The July 2025 issue of Gramophone features Anne Akiko Meyers on our cover, as the violinist releases her new album on Platoon, containing Philip Glass’s Violin Concerto No 1, plus a premiere recording of the composer’s New Chaconne, written for her; she talks to Thomas May about her unflagging desire to work with composers and learn new repertoire.

Also in the issue, we explore the music of French composer Georges Bizet, who died 150 years ago this year; Flora Willson offers an overview of his work and significance, both in opera and other musical spheres, and recommends some essential listening beyond the ubiquitous Carmen.

And as summer approaches, bringing opportunities for holiday reading, Edward Breen explores music in literature, surveying fiction that involves music, especially early music, at its heart.

Elsewhere in the issue, Icons explores the life and work of the Hungarian violinist Jelly d’Arányi, while in Classics Reconsidered Richard Wigmore and Lindsay Kemp revisit Trevor Pinnock’s acclaimed recording of Haydn’s ‘Nelson’ Mass, released in 1987 on DG Archiv: how does it stand up to scrutiny today?

The July issue’s Collection sees Christian Hoskins listen to available recordings of Bruckner’s Symphony No 6 and recommend his favourite versions.

Contemporary Composers looks at the work of English composer Steve Elcock, while in Musician & the Score, Tim Parry talks to Steven Osborne about Schubert’s late Piano Sonata in A major, D959.

Finally, broadcaster and barrister Rob Rinder shares his musical path and passions in My Music. Plus, as always, our expert critics review the latest releases, with the very best being named Editor’s Choices.