May’s New Album Releases 2025
9/6/2025
Justin Taylor — Chopin Intime
For his fifth solo release, Chopin Intime on Alpha Classics, harpsichordist and keyboardist Justin Taylor explores the intimate sound world of Frédéric Chopin, performing on a rare Pleyel pianino from 1836.
This unique upright piano — similar to the one Chopin used during his stay in Mallorca — offers a velvety, resonant tone that perfectly complements the composer’s poetic style. Known for his deep connection to historical instruments, Taylor presents a carefully curated selection of Preludes, Etudes, Nocturnes, and Mazurkas, alongside a moving transcription of Bellini’s Casta diva.
A departure from his previous harpsichord recordings, this album reveals new colours in Chopin’s music, heard through the lens of an instrument he knew and loved.
Pierre-Laurent Aimard — Kurtag’s Játékok
Pierre-Laurent Aimard presents an anthology from György Kurtág’s Játékok (“Games”). Recorded under the composer’s artistic guidance, this is Aimard’s latest album with label Pentatone following Schubert Ländler(2024), Bartók Piano Concertos (2023), Visions (2022), Hammerklavier Sonata & Eroica Variations (2021), and Catalogue d’Oiseaux (2019).
The extensive collection of Játékok is a staple of Aimard’s concert repertoire, and the upcoming album stands as a testament to his intimate artistic friendship with Kurtág over the decades. The album is be available for general purchase from 2 May.
Jean-Yves Thibaudet — Pride and Prejudice
Jean-Yves Thibaudet features on the limited-edition release on vinyl by Decca Classics of the soundtrack to the 2005 film, Pride and Prejudice, performing Darrio Marianelli’s Academy Award-nominated score. The discs make their long-awaiting return to vinyl to mark the 20thanniversary of Joe Wright’s much beloved 2005 film adaptation.
Kahchun Wong — Elgar’s The Dream of Gerontius
On 2 May, Kahchun Wong releases his second CD as Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor of the Hallé Orchestra with a live recording of Bruckner Symphony No.9. Critics praise the album calling it a “a must-hear for all Brucknerians” (Gramophone, June 2025)
