Royal Philharmonic Orchestra: The Pioneers of Symphonic Recording

The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) is a world-renowned British symphony orchestra based in London. Founded in 1946, the RPO has become one of the most recorded orchestras in history, selling millions of albums worldwide and achieving numerous gold and platinum certifications for its expansive discography.

Early career

The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra was formed in 1946 by the eminent conductor Sir Thomas Beecham. Its creation came in the post-war era, with Beecham aiming to establish an ensemble of the highest caliber to perform and record for a broad public.

The orchestra quickly secured a residency at London's Henry Wood Proms and began an ambitious recording schedule. Early releases on labels like EMI and RCA Victor featured core classical repertoire, establishing the RPO's reputation for precision and vibrant sound.

Breakthrough

The RPO's breakthrough into mainstream consciousness accelerated in the 1970s and beyond through innovative crossover projects. A pivotal moment was their 1978 collaboration with the Bee Gees on the soundtrack for "Saturday Night Fever," which exposed their sound to a massive pop audience.

This set the stage for the chart-topping 1987 album Hooked on Classics, a collaboration with conductor Louis Clark. The album blended classical themes with a disco beat, reaching high chart positions internationally and achieving multi-platinum sales, cementing the RPO's status as crossover pioneers.

Key tracks

Hooked on Classics — This 1981 medley became a global pop phenomenon, showcasing the orchestra's adaptability and driving a commercial resurgence.

The Phantom of the Opera — The RPO's recordings of Andrew Lloyd Webber's music, including this title, are definitive and widely distributed, bridging theatre and classical genres.

Also sprach Zarathustra — Their powerful recording of Richard Strauss's work, used in "2001: A Space Odyssey," remains a staple of their concert and recorded repertoire.

Nessun dorma — The orchestra's accompaniments for famed tenor Luciano Pavarotti on this aria brought operatic classics to a vast international audience.

Bohemian Rhapsody — Their symphonic arrangement of the Queen classic for the 1992 album Greatest Hits of Rock 'n' Roll exemplifies their ongoing engagement with popular music.

Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra expanded its collaborative portfolio, working with artists like Pink Floyd, Michael Jackson, and Muse. They have released albums under various major labels including Decca, Warner Classics, and more recently, their own RPO Records.

The orchestra maintains a rigorous global touring schedule and continues to record for film scores and video game soundtracks. Their extensive back catalogue, spanning pure classical to rock symphonies, ensures a constant presence in charts and certification awards from bodies like the BPI and RIAA.

Fans of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra's blend of traditional excellence and contemporary appeal also enjoy the work of London Symphony Orchestra, another top-tier British ensemble known for film scores and crossover projects. Academy of St Martin in the Fields shares a legacy of impeccable recordings under founder Neville Marriner. BBC Philharmonic is similarly celebrated for its broadcast and recording work across classical and modern genres. The innovative spirit is also found in John Barry, whose iconic film compositions often feature rich orchestral arrangements.

The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra's vast and varied catalogue is a fixture on classical FM stations, film score specialty programs, and dedicated online orchestral streams. Their music regularly features in rotations that celebrate both timeless masterpieces and groundbreaking symphonic fusions.

Listeners can experience the grandeur of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra on radio stations featured on our website. Discover their iconic recordings and contemporary collaborations through the curated classical and crossover stations available on onairium.com.