Denied her rightful place for decades, Antonia Brico shattered classical musicโs gender barriersโfrom her Berlin Philharmonic debut to mentoring Judy Collinsโbecoming a pioneering maestra whose legacy still resonates through concert halls and classrooms.
Mike Harkins dives deep into the tactile and sonic quirks of vinyl playback, exposing factory flaws, groove grime, and pressing imperfections that plague even โaudiophileโ editionsโyet still finds joy in the ritual and magic of spinning LPs.
From du Prรฉโs iconic Elgar to Stravinskyโs riotous Rite of Spring, this list highlights five stunning classical recordingsโeach a sonic and emotional powerhouse, perfectly suited for seasoned collectors or curious newcomers alike.