An online label for audiophiles
OnClassical offers recordings of highest quality guaranteed by the combination of experience in acoustic technology and of musical artistry. Each detail regarding the singling out of artists, locations and musical instruments and the choice of placement of the recording equipment is studied carefully, and nothing is left to chance. The recordings which we obtain with quasi maniacal care, allow one not only to discern the exact nature of a given musical instrument, but also the finest details of its mechanical parts; the very low as well as the most rapid sonorities, and those ambient corners which tend to amplify certain frequencies and ennoble the colour of the final audio. The acquisition of the sound and its successive mixing is not the result of a casual or imaginary placement of the listener, but is reproduced as one would hear it if he were in the middle of a musical ensemble, or standing in place of the musician in the case of a solo performance. Furthermore, the recordings exploit the maximum extension and the exact instrumental sound depth. This means that given the artist, the accompaniment, and the repertoire, a decision is made to make use of the most suitable environment, instruments and equipment. For OnClassical it is important to create a good rapport between technician and musician. This practice, combined with the artistic sensibility of OnClassical make recording friendly and relaxed. Extraordinary results can be achieved when, together, the artist and the sound technician create the right blend of music and emotions. The important work of selection which we have spoken of here culminates in an absolute naturalness in recordings that gives the listener the sense of being present at the performance; with the extra bonus of being able to capture those nuances which would otherwise go unnoticed even for the most attentive ear. Thus, in a sense, one is able to participate each time at a unique and unrepeatable event, more like a live performance than a recording.

History of the label
OnClassical began in 2003 as the first Italian independent label for the distribution of classical music on the internet. It was also one of the world's pioneers in the utilization of the then new Creative Commons licence. OnClassical believes in the accuracy of the microphone take and the naturalness of the resulting sound achieved without any kind of manipulation. The decision on the ultimate sound quality is always made before the recording begins, and never afterwards. This philosophy of OnClassical is carried into the realization of all the various production phases: starting from the choice of musicians, the recording venue, the instruments and equipment, and deciding where these will be positioned. It also includes the phases of recording, mixing, and mastering, and the publication and distribution of the musical product on internet within a frame of absolute prestige. Amongst the first artists to believe in our project are some first-award-winners of major international competitions, such as Gianluca Luisi (Bach at Saarbr�cken), Roberto Plano (Cleveland and Van Cliburn), Maurizio Baglini, Aleksandra Mikulska (Chopin at Warsaw), and Luca Fanfoni (Paganini); just to mention a few. The careful selection of recordings included in our latest version of the site has enhanced onclassical.com even more and turned it into a nook for audiophiles; the only one of its kind for its quality in recording and performances.

Gianluca Luisi & Alessandro Simonetto