Decca’s Pure Analogue Vinyl Series: A Gateway into Classical Music on Vinyl
In this video, I’m joined by my wife Sue Aston — a classically trained violinist — to explore the first three releases in Decca’s new Pure Analogue Vinyl Series. These are not casual reissues. They are meticulously curated, fully analogue, heavyweight vinyl pressings, drawn from Decca and Philips’ legendary archives and presented with the kind of care normally reserved for premium rock box sets.
And crucially, this series feels like it’s been created not just for long-time classical collectors — but for vinyl lovers who may be classical-curious and wondering where on earth to begin.
Stravinsky: The Rite of Spring
Igor Stravinsky – conducted by Sir Georg Solti with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (1974)
This is one of the most explosive and revolutionary pieces of music ever written — and Sue’s enthusiasm for it is immediate and infectious. Originally composed for ballet, The Rite of Spring caused riots at its 1913 premiere thanks to its raw rhythms and primal energy.
This new Decca pressing goes the extra mile:
Cut at 45 RPM for improved clarity and high-frequency response
Fully analogue mastering from the original two-track stereo master
Pressed on 180g virgin vinyl
Housed in a deluxe protective sleeve with detailed recording notes
Sonically, it is amazing. When the full force of the orchestra kicks in, it’s visceral and physical — almost shocking in its impact. Even the artwork matters here. The Nicholas Roerich painting — used for the original ballet — adds to the sense that this is a complete artistic statement, not just an audio product.
Limited to 3,100 copies worldwide, this is a proper collector’s release in every sense.
Sibelius: Symphonies No. 5 & No. 7 + Tapiola
Jean Sibelius – conducted by Sir Colin Davis with the Boston Symphony Orchestra (1975)
Sibelius’ music is rooted in landscape, weather, and long northern winters, and Sue beautifully explains how these symphonies capture a sense of isolation, tension, and slow-burning power. The Seventh Symphony, in particular, unfolds as one continuous arc rather than traditional movements — and it’s utterly absorbing.
I put the record on while working… and within minutes, I had to stop.
This isn’t background music. It pulls you in, changes your emotional state, and insists on being heard properly. In that sense, vinyl feels like the perfect medium — you’re already committing to listening.
Technically, this release is fascinating too. It uses Decca’s original quadraphonic master tapes, newly mixed down to stereo through a pure analogue path — preserving depth while reducing inner-groove distortion. For vinyl lovers, this is proper anorak-level detail — and I mean that as a compliment.
Limited to 3,330 copies worldwide, it’s also beautifully presented, right down to the artwork inspired by Edvard Munch.
Vienna New Year’s Concert 1979
Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra – conducted by Willi Boskovsky
This double album was a joy to discover.
Featuring music from the Strauss dynasty, this is celebratory, elegant, and surprisingly fresh. Boskovsky conducts from the violin — very much in the tradition of the music — and the performances are light, lyrical, and full of movement.
What makes this release especially interesting is its history. Although the concert was originally issued digitally (Decca were early adopters), they ran analogue machines simultaneously as backups. For this release, Decca has returned to those analogue masters, avoiding the brittle edge of early digital recordings and restoring warmth and space to the sound.
The result is glorious — rich bass, natural orchestral bloom, and none of the stiffness people sometimes associate with this repertoire.
Limited to 3,220 copies worldwide, it’s another reminder that once these are gone, they’re gone.
This is about:
Recreating the golden age of classical vinyl
Treating classical recordings with the same reverence we expect from premium rock reissues
Inviting new listeners in, rather than talking over their heads
If you love vinyl for its ritual, tactility, sound quality, and artwork, there is absolutely no reason classical music shouldn’t be part of your collection. This series feels like a bridge — and Sue and I are genuinely excited to help people cross it.
FIND OUT MORE AND ORDER DIRECTLY FROM DECCA HERE
Phil Aston – Sue Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
