Back catalogue: Classical

Review: First released more than two decades ago in 2004, Yo-Yo Ma Plays Ennio Morricone features the renowned cellist performing pieces from the legendary composer's very many iconic film scores. It was recorded with the Roma Sinfonietta Orchestra and pianist Gilda Butta and Morricone himself served as orchestrator, conductor and producer. The album remained on the Billboard Top Classical Albums chart for 105 weeks after its initial release and now this resisted and stunning collection again offers up music from Once Upon a Time in America, The Legend of 1900, The Untouchables, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, and more. It is a masterful tribute done with sheer class and beautifully orchestrated collaboration.

Review: Henry Mancini's iconic score for The Pink Panther is an amazing example of the power of music to define cinema. Released 60 years ago, the album's unforgettable melodies have become synonymous with the film and its bumbling detective Inspector Clouseau. The catchy 'Pink Panther Theme' alone remains a cultural touchstone, widely recognized and streamed. Mancini's genius infused the score with a whimsical yet sophisticated flair, mirroring the film's comedic tone. The album's Grammy Award-winning success cemented its place in popular culture, earning a well-deserved spot in the Grammy Hall of Fame. The 60th Anniversary Edition celebrates the timeless brilliance of Mancini's Pink Panther score. Pressed on vibrant pink vinyl, it offers a nostalgic reminder of the film's enduring charm and the enduring power of Mancini's musical genius.

Review: Gianni Marchetti's 1977-78 LPs Equinox and Solstitium are truly rare gems from Italy's library music scene. Long thought lost, these tracks were unearthed from original DAT tapes and remastered for vinyl. They are loved for their ethereal, imaginative compositions as Marchetti's work blends driving rhythms, lush strings and intoxicating jazz sounds that offer a cinematic, dreamy feel. These albums, previously promotional-only and still highly coveted by collectors, now shine as part of Dialogo's initiative exploring RCA's "Original Cast" series. They lay bare the brilliance of Italian library music.

Review: This is the first-ever reissue of Gianni Marchetti's 1978 LP Solstitium, which was originally released as part of RCA's "Original Cast" series in limited promo copies and has long been considered one of the most rare and enigmatic pieces of Italian library music. Library music was primarily created for television, radio and film but often yielded hidden gems that fused jazz, lounge and soul into storytelling vignettes of sounds. Marchetti's wonderful Solstitium is a prime example of innovation within this space which rightly remains a classic in the history of Italian music.

Review: Four Flies has released an extraordinary vinyl edition of Mario Migliardi's soundtrack for Matalo!, a unique score that breaks all the conventions of the Spaghetti Western genre. This 1970 film by Milanese director Cesare Canevari features a dark, atmospheric take on the traditional Western, with minimal dialogue and visually experimental techniques that elevate the music to the forefront. Migliardi, a versatile composer, conductor, and Hammond organist, blends psych-rock, electronic textures, and concrete sounds into a compelling auditory experience. Drawing on influences from Jimi Hendrix to Luciano Berio, he mixes acoustic guitars and folk percussion with innovative electronic processing, creating a sound that feels both groundbreaking and timeless. The album's centerpiece is a nine-minute hard blues rock jam featuring vocals by Giano Ton (Giacomo Tosti), finally available on vinyl in its extended version. The score's dynamic phaser effects, created with a Leslie filter, add to the soundtrack's distinctiveness and its packaging - in a beautifully designed gatefold jacket by Eric Adrien Lee - adds a great visual touch to the overall package.

Review: Hiroshi Miyagawa would have been a fascinating person to sit down and talk with. A prolific and prominent jazz-pop musician in the 1960s, a decade most people would have enjoyed working in the music industry, he picked up a lot of awards during this time playing alongside vocalists such as The Peanuts. This was before he was drafted by producer and promoter Yoshinobu Nishizaki to score a new TV series about a WWII battleship restored, upgraded and sent into space to safeguard humans from extinction. Introducing Space Battleship Yamato, a show that came with a grand symphony which would go on to be one of Miyagawa's crowning legacies, soundtracks to a huge catalogue of episodes, feature length adventures, cash-ins and more. Symphonic Suite Yamato brings much of this together, from the sweeping and romantic to the bombastic, triumphant and tense.

Review: Dietro il Processo is a TV investigation series directed by Franco Biancacci that was broadcast by RAI in Italy from 1978 to 1980 as part of the Storie allo Specchio series. The legendary Ennio Morricone composed the main theme and scored three episodes: L'urlo, L'ultima notte di Pier Paolo Pasolini and Il caso Montesi. Although the tracks were not initially released in any format, the soundtrack became available on CD in 2009. For Record Store Day 2025, this first-ever LP edition has been assembled and comes on white vinyl so allows a chance to revisit to these most dramatic pieces.

Review: Morricone aficonadi will be champing at their costume jewellery for this one. Scored for the Sergio Martino film Ruba Al Prossimo Tuo (1976), Morricone provided a hauntingly atmospheric soundtrack, marking the flick out from the rest in the Italian Giallo wave, and its usually otherwise funk-backed, upbeat exploitation emotes. The film follows a chilling, traitorous femme-noir formula, as a young woman, Giulia, is put through a seedy ringer after witnessing a brutal murder. As Edda Dell'Orso sings above Morricone's samba arrangements, the record is notable for its renderings of classic Latin style in much broodier, more dubious tones.

Review: The 60th Anniversary deluxe edition of For a Few Dollars More is an excellent deeper listen into the soundtrack. Fans of Ennio Morricone and Sergio Leone's iconic western should be excited about this meticulously restored soundtrack, featuring not only the original RCA album program but also unreleased tracks, extending the runtime to 66 minutes of Morricone's atmospheric, masterful compositions. The deluxe CD package is beautifully crafted: it includes a 24-page booklet with artwork by Averardo Ciriello, an external hard-paper sleeve with a cover by Renato Casaro and a striking back cover portrait of Morricone by Claudio Fuiano. Mastered by Claudio Fuiano and Daniel Winkler, the audio brings every note to life with clarity. With liner notes and design by Daniele De Gemini, this edition honors both the timeless music and the unforgettable legacy of Leone's classic, creating an essential collection piece for soundtrack aficionados and western cinema lovers alike.

Review: Alzati Spia is one of countless soundtracks from Ennio Morricone that expose his masterful ability to elevate film through music. This one from 1982 blends suspenseful orchestrations, dramatic tension and avant-garde experimentation that mirror the titular espionage thriller's atmosphere with real precision. Morricone's signature use of unconventional instrumentation and haunting melodies keeps you gripped while the eerie intrigue comes from string arrangements and bold bass. These are emotionally charged compositions that evoke rich mental imagery to the point that even without the film playing they unfold like an immersive mind movie.

Review: The bounty hunter's journey continues, accompanied by a score that has left an indelible mark on cinematic history. This newly expanded edition showcases Ennio Morricone's remarkable work for Sergio Leone's 1965 classic, featuring the original eight-cue soundtrack program first issued by RCA Records, paired with the complete mono film score. The remastering, handled by Claudio Fuiano and Daniel Winkler, enhances every note of Morricone's haunting compositions. The packaging itself is a collector's dream, with front cover art by Renato Casaro and a portrait of Morricone by Fuiano. This vinyl release, presented on transparent white and orange wax, is housed in a gatefold sleeve. Added to this edition are two poster prints and a 24-page booklet written by Daniele de Gemini, adorned with Averardo Ciriello's artwork and a layout by de Gemini, offering deep insight into the music and its context. Morricone's score integrates pre-written themes, including a recurring melody tied to a musical pocket watch that becomes a pivotal element in the film. The music's enduring appeal is evident in covers by Hugo Montenegro and Billy Strange. Often overlooked, this film and its score deserve renewed attention through this meticulously crafted release.

Review: Ennio Morricone's La Cosa Buffa is a brilliant 1972 soundtrack that beautifully captures the emotional breadth of Aldo Lado's sentimental drama. The score, celebrated for its lush orchestration and hypnotic themes, features an array of string and harpsichord variations, with Edda Dell'Orso's haunting, wordless vocals enhancing the romantic atmosphere. The album, reissued on vibrant yellow vinyl to mark its 50th anniversary, showcs Morricone's exceptional ability to blend dreamy and groovy elements, making it accessible yet deeply evocative. Remastered by Claudio Fuiano, this edition includes a faithful reproduction of the original film poster, adding to its collectible appeal. Notably, the score diverges from Morricone's more intense giallo work, presenting a more melodious and dramatic soundscape. The catchy 'Ballabile N.1' and 'N.2' tracks offer a playful nod to 60s beat music, further enriching the album's varied texture. La Cosa Buffa is a signature example to Morricone's movie magic helping him remain as influential and beloved as ever.

Review: The iconic bounty hunter returns with a soundtrack as unforgettable as the character himself. This edition combines the original eight-cue program, originally released by RCA Records alongside music from the series' first film, with the complete film score in mono, all meticulously remastered by Claudio Fuiano and Daniel Winkler. The vibrant packaging includes front cover art by Renato Casaro and a portrait of Morricone by Fuiano. The vinyl version is pressed on transparent white and orange wax, housed in a striking gatefold sleeve. Often overshadowed by its predecessor and successor, this film features a compelling narrative combined with Morricone's masterful composition. The score has pre-written themes, including a haunting motif tied to a musical pocket watch, seamlessly woven into the storyline. Popular in its era, the music inspired covers by Hugo Montenegro and Billy Strange, further cementing its place in cinematic history.

Review: Snarky Puppy are much celebrated five-time Grammy Award winners whose ever-popular album Sylva no gets a special reissue. This re-release comes on nice heavyweight double vinyl and as well as including the six original cuts, it also takes in two alternate takes of 'The Curtain' and 'The Clearing.' Although it was originally released by Impulse! Records, this new version comes via GroundUP Music who have cut it from the original masters. It makes for a superb revisiting of a classic jazz album with the added bonus of a couple of different perspectives.