Every year our staff vote for their favourite books, albums, films and TV shows of the past 12 months. Here are our top 10 classical CDs of the year, voted for by Readings’ staff, and displayed in no particular order.

(You can find all our best picks for books, CDs & DVDs of 2017 here.)

J.S. Bach: Cello Suites Vol.II by Slava Grigoryan

Following the extraordinary success of the multiple-award-winning – including a 2017 ARIA Award for Best Classical Album – Cello Suites Vol. I, world-renowned Slava Grigoryan continues his Bach journey on the baritone guitar with volume two. Grigoryan honours Bach’s remarkable achievement in this performance proving that he rightly deserves his many accolades.

Orlando Gibbons: Fancies for the Viols by Francois Joubert-Caillet & L’Achéron

Orlando Gibbons was one of the most versatile composers during the Elizabethan period. His vast repertoire of vocal and instrumental works includes madrigals, works for keyboard, and fantasias for various combinations of viols. This elegant and vibrant album features a selection of his works for viols, which are superbly performed by ancient music specialists L’Achéron.

J.S. Bach: Trios by Yo-Yo Ma, Chris Thile & Edgar Meyer

The phenomenal Yo-Yo Ma collaborates with the equally amazing Chris Thile and Edgar Meyer on another unique project. Written by Bach for keyboard instruments, the trios are performed hereon mandolin, cello and bass. With such wide-ranging talent across genres, from classical to bluegrass,their experience brings freshness and spontaneity to these exceptional works.

Solipsism by Joep Beving

Spotify sensation Joep Beving recently toured Australia to sell-out audiences – and it’s easy to see why. In a world we can barely keep up with, Beving’s solo piano compositions offer listeners a chance to stop, reflect and reconnect. Played on a simple upright piano, the gentle, atmospheric melodies speak for themselves.

Rachmaninov & Prokofiev: Cello Sonatas by Nina Kotova & Fabio Bidini

Russian–American cellist Nina Kotova is joined by pianist Fabio Bidini in a program of rousing sonatas from two of Russia’s (if not the world’s) great twentieth-century composers. Performed with an understanding and deep emotional connection, Kotova’s technique is on show, from the tranquil to the fiery. Bidini accompanies with similar dedication and virtuosity.

Beethoven: Wind Chamber Music by Les Vents Français

Les Vents Français have recorded some fantastic and often overlooked chamber music for wind. These fabulous Beethoven works for small combinations showcase the remarkable musicianship and virtuosity of the star-studded ensemble, which includes Emmanuel Pahud (flute) and Paul Meyer (clarinet). A particular stand-out is the Variations in C Major on Mozart’s ‘La ci darem la mano’.

J.S. Bach: Cantatas for Soprano by Carolyn Sampson, Freiburger Barockorchester & Petra Müllejans

Full of spine-tingling beauty, this recording has deservedly received critical acclaim. Carolyn Sampson, considered to be one of the best early music sopranos currently performing,is accompanied here with great sensitivity and energy by the Freiburger Barockorchester. Worth the price alone is an exquisite moment in the opening aria of the Wedding Cantata where Sampson’s voice seamlessly grows from the sublime oboe solo. A must-have!

Bel Canto: The Voice of Viola by Antoine Tamestit & Cédric Tiberghien

The viola rose from the shadows of the violin in the nineteenth century,where it regularly graced Parisian concert halls and salons. Antoine Tamestit reignites these glory days performing repertoire including Vieuxtemps, Donizetti and the little-known Mazas. Together with the exceptional Cédric Tiberghien, Tamestit sings with the viola,treating the listener to a poetic and emotive feast.

The Sound of Piazzolla by Various Artists

A present-day‘who’s who’ of classical music celebrate the music of Astor Piazzolla on this double CD set.Showcases not just the influence of tango, jazz and classical traditions, but also original classical compositions, including his ‘tangooperita’ María de Buenos Aires and Concierto del Angel. This is a fantastic selection for newcomers, or those wanting to expand their collection.

Sous l'empire d'Amour: French Songs for Mezzo-Soprano and Lute by Marie-Claude Chappuis & Luca Pianca

These rarely performed,refined seventeenth-century French secular songs, airs de cour, for mezzo-soprano and lute, were popular in the royal court of Louis XIII. Later adopted by others in Europe, the songs were mostly of a romantic nature. Marie-Claude Chappuis and Luca Pianca bring a wealth of expression, style and grace to this art form.