First Hand Records

First Hand Records International classical record label • Exciting new recordings • Fascinating historical issues • Exemplary productions

FHR release the finest quality classical, world and jazz recordings performed by some of the greatest artists of the past, present and future. FHR has established itself as a significant independent record label. Indeed, their releases have been recognised by the press as “fascinating” and “remarkable” and are always produced to the highest standard. Their success is a product of high aesthetic va

lue from an experienced, enthusiastic and dedicated FHR team. Alongside exciting new recordings, FHR specialise in issuing important gems of the past on its historical sub-label FHR Remasters. Most of these recordings have never been issued before and include recordings newly discovered by FHR through their research in various tape archives. To date, FHR have licensed recordings from the EMI, HMV, Pye/Nixa, Universal/Westminster, Capitol Records catalogues, broadcast recordings from BBC Radio, NCRV in Holland and Bavarian Radio, and Archive of Recorded Sound (ARS). Wherever possible, FHR work from the original masters thus producing the best possible sound. Indeed, it has been written that “Few remastering teams have attended to vintage tapes with more loving attention than First Hand Records…” (Gramophone Magazine). A number of FHR titles have been selected as Diapson D’OR, frequently as a Gramophone Editor’s Choice/Reissue of the Month, Musicweb-International CD of the Month and a number of 5-star reviews in BBC Music Magazine. Their Shura Cherkassky release “The complete HMV stereo recordings” was awarded the Best Reissue/Vintage Recording of 2009 by International Piano Magazine. Recently, Alexandra Papastefanou was awarded The Union of Greek Theatre and Music Critics Award: Best Recording of 2018 for her FHR recording of The Well-Tempered Clavier

23/10/2025
17/10/2025

Thrilled that two singles we released today are featured on Spotify's 'New Classical' playlist! Check them out NOW!

BRITTEN: 'Marine' from 'Les Illuminations'
Julia Kogan sop
Britten Sinfonia
Steven Lloyd-Gonzalez

Joseph GIBBS: 'Aria Andante' from 'Sonata No. 1 for Violin and Basso Continuo, Op. 1'
The Brook Street Band
Tatty Theo
Rachel Harris


Playlist · Spotify · 79 items · 746.2K saves

Great article about Matthew Schellhorn's album 'ODD SYMPATHIES' published on today on the day of the release."This fin...
17/10/2025

Great article about Matthew Schellhorn's album 'ODD SYMPATHIES' published on today on the day of the release.

"This fine recording offers an excellent example of the very best of contemporary writing for the piano, performed by a pianist totally in sympathy with the myriad styles of the composers he performs."

Matthew Schellhorn, piano This new release from British pianist Matthew Schellhorn draws together an interesting and eclectic selection of piano pieces. As a long-standing champion of contemporary …

Incredibly happy to release an album of contemporary piano music featuring some wonderful compositions by 12 composers m...
17/10/2025

Incredibly happy to release an album of contemporary piano music featuring some wonderful compositions by 12 composers most of which are premiere recordings. Pianist Matthew Schellhorn is an outstanding interpreter of these works. His brilliant technique and beautiful timbres make all these works glow! Released on a physical DigiSleeve CD and available on all digital platforms including surround sound with Dolby Atmos!!

"For over two decades, Matthew Schellhorn has championed the creativity of living composers through commissions and premières, bringing new music to a wider audience. This album draws together a selection of eclectic and captivating piano works united through shared interpretative insights and deep artistic connections."

IG:



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Composers Edition

The first single from a significant release of 18th century music by the English composer Joseph GIBBS (1698-1788) is re...
17/10/2025

The first single from a significant release of 18th century music by the English composer Joseph GIBBS (1698-1788) is released today! The 'Aria Andante' from 'Violin Sonata No. 1' from the Gibbs' complete '8 Sonatas for Violin and Basso Continuo, Op. 1' which is released 14 November. Only the second complete version of the set to be recorded. Performed by the fantastic The Brook Street Band.

Rachel Harris violin
Tatty Theo cello
harpsichord

Recorded and produced by: Robin Bigwood

The short and sweet 'Marine' from 'Les Illuminations' the second single released today from the forthcoming album 'BRITT...
17/10/2025

The short and sweet 'Marine' from 'Les Illuminations' the second single released today from the forthcoming album 'BRITTEN: Les Illuminations – en français and in English • BARBER: Knoxville: Summer of 1915'.

Julia Kogan soprano
Britten Sinfonia
Steven Lloyd-Gonzalez

13/10/2025

‘I don’t believe artists and promoters should dilute the concert experience. People seek music to lift them out of routine’

11/10/2025

✨ 6 days to go until album launch! ✨
🎹 Odd Sympathies features music by 11 composers (clockwise from top left): Colin Riley, Paul Spicer, Cecilia McDowall, Cheryl Frances-Hoad, Michael Zev Gordon, Robert Percy, Tim Watts, Diana Burrell, Roger Briggs, Jeremy Thurlow, Martin Bussey
🔗 Pre-order now via Apple Music / Spotify / Amazon or my website: http://matthewschellhorn.com

'STOLEN DANCES' album released today!! Features the wonderful violin Sara Trickey and her perfect duo partner pianist . ...
10/10/2025

'STOLEN DANCES' album released today!! Features the wonderful violin Sara Trickey and her perfect duo partner pianist . Available on a physical eco DigiSleeve CD and to download/stream on all digital platforms. If you want an immersive audio experience, then you can listen in surround sound with Dolby Atmos from a number places such as Apple Music Amazon Music TIDAL !

Recorded and produced by John Croft (Chiaro Music Recording and Production)

Album · 2025 · 21 Songs

First single from Bellot Ensemble's debut album 'CUPID'S GROUND BASS' released today. Composer Barbara Strozzi's hauntin...
10/10/2025

First single from Bellot Ensemble's debut album 'CUPID'S GROUND BASS' released today. Composer Barbara Strozzi's haunting 'Che si puo fare?' featuring wonderful vocals from Lucine Musaelian, who happens to also play the viola da gamba on the track!

Bellot Ensemble
Lucine Musaelian, soprano, viola da gamba
Olivia Petryszak recorder
Edmund Taylor, Maxim Del Mar violin
Jacob Garside, cello
Nathan Giorgetti viola da gamba
Daniel Murphy, theorbo, baroque guitar
Matthew Brown harpsichord, organ

Produced by Tom Pickering
Recorded by John Croft (Chiaro Music Recording and Production)

Supported by the Continuo Foundation Continuo Connect

The 2nd single is out today featuring the first movement from composer Peter Fribbins' 'Cello Concerto' performed by cel...
10/10/2025

The 2nd single is out today featuring the first movement from composer Peter Fribbins' 'Cello Concerto' performed by cellist Sebastian Comberti and the London Mozart Players conducted by Jürgen Bruns. Listen on all digital platforms including Apple Music Spotify etc

10/10/2025

🎹✨ My new album, Odd Sympathies, is launching soon – on 17th October! ✨🎹

This collection features 24 tracks of contemporary piano music, most of which were composed specifically for me. The album also includes tributes to composers like Haydn and Joplin, showcasing the musical influences that have shaped my performing journey.

🔗 Pre-order now via my website, www.matthewschellhorn.com

Matthew Schellhorn's album 'ODD SYMPHANIES' is out a week tomorrow 17 October 2025. You can Pre-Add/Pre-Save the album o...
09/10/2025

Matthew Schellhorn's album 'ODD SYMPHANIES' is out a week tomorrow 17 October 2025. You can Pre-Add/Pre-Save the album on your usual digital service providers

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Released this Friday!
07/10/2025

Released this Friday!

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