8 legendary RPO recordings from our 80–year history

As the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra approaches our 80th Anniversary Season, we look back on our incredible and wide-ranging recording history, featuring work that reaches across genres and collaborates with some of history’s greatest musicians. From the first ever live orchestral album recorded with a major rock band, to vivid recordings of some of the most revered ballets and operas, to chart-topping classical crossovers, the RPO’s legacy is illuminated by our unique recording history.

With so many records to choose from, we have selected eight spectacular recordings that demonstrate the Orchestra’s long-lasting musical excellence and ground-breaking versatility. 

Sir Thomas Beecham and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

There are many significant recordings of our founder Sir Thomas Beecham leading the Orchestra from his 15 year period as Principal Conductor. Of them, performances of Delius are perhaps most beloved – Beecham knew Delius personally and was greatly inspired by his work, dedicating much of his musical career to performing and often premiering his pieces. 

The recordings in Delius: Brigg Fair And Other Orchestral Works were made shortly before Beecham’s death in 1961, and feature members of the RPO’s infamous wind section ‘The Royal Family’, which was regarded as the best ever assembled in Britain. 

Deep Purple and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

Conducted by Sir Malcolm Arnold, this electrifying and entrancing live recording of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the British rock band Deep Purple was considered ground-breaking as it was the first time a major rock band recorded a live album with a full symphony orchestra. 

The album was recorded at the Royal Albert Hall in 1969 and features a concerto written by Jon Lord with lyrics written and sung by Deep Purple’s lead vocalist, Ian Gillian. The album became Purple’s first UK chart album, peaking at No.26 in early 1970. 

Igor Stravinsky, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and The Sadlers Wells Opera Chorus 

This is the earliest studio recording of Igor Stravinsky’s dramatic and triumphant English-language opera, written in 1951, and loosely based on eight 17th-century paintings and engravings by William Hogarth. The recording features Judith Raskin as Anne Truelove, Alexander Young as Tom Rakewell, and John Reardon as Nick Shadow.

Joe Hisaishi and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra 

RPO composer-in-association Joe Hisaishi has had an acclaimed career spanning many genres and artforms, and his film scores in particular are beloved around the globe by fans of all ages. 

Recorded in London in 2023, the album features a series of symphonic arrangements of Hisaishi’s original soundtracks for the magical Studio Ghibli animations, which were directed by Hisaishi’s collaborator Hayao Miyazaki. The record includes pieces from classics such as Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke and My Neighbor Totoro.

Esther Yoo, Vasily Petrenko and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

Acclaimed violinist Esther Yoo was the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra's first ever artist-in-residence, and is known for her breathtaking playing and expressive approach to music. This recording captures two beautiful violin concerti by Max Bruch and Samuel Barber, conducted by Music Director Vasily Petrenko.

Aretha Franklin and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

Few artists have made such an impact on music and culture as ‘The Queen of Soul’ herself, Aretha Franklin. Recorded at Abbey Road Studios in 2016, this compilation album includes 14 tracks from her incredible repertoire of songs, featuring archival vocal performances from Franklin, backed by new orchestral arrangements. Franklin died in August 2018, just nine months after the album's release.

Andre Previn and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

The German-American conductor and composer Andre Previn, known for his work in film, jazz, and classical music, was Music Director of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra from 1985–1988. Previn recorded Tchaikovsky’s final ballet twice, and this second version from 1986 features him in his prime. 

Louis Clark and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

Released in 1981, this popular classical crossover album features remixed disco arrangements of numerous classical pieces, including Sibelius’ Karelia Suite, Schubert’s Ave Maria, Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 and dozens more. The album’s opening track, Hooked On Classics (Parts 1 & 2), peaked at number 2 in the UK singles chart.