Universal Music Group has reaffirmed its classical market leadership with a commanding presence in last month’s official German charts, as compiled by GfK Entertainment.
UMG has broken its own record in the classical charts in Germany, set almost two decades ago, in August 2008.
For the period between June 6 and July 3, 2025, Deutsche Grammophon and Decca Records secured every one of the Top 10 spots in Germany’s official classical charts, as well as 16 of the Top 20.
“This impressive feat emphatically reflects Universal Music’s continued dedication to artistry and innovation and its influential role in the classical music industry,” said a statement.
Claudio Abbado’s recording of Mahler 2, released in an all-analogue premium vinyl reissue from DG’s Original Source Series, was at No.1.
Ludovico Einaudi alone accounted for several entries, thanks to his recent tour of Germany and ongoing streaming success.
The hits also included rediscovered Beethoven recordings by Sviatoslav Richter, as well as albums from Max Richter, the multi Grammy-winning and Shostakovich cycle from Andris Nelsons and the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Yuja Wang and Alice Sara Ott.
Universal Music labels also triumphed in the cumulative half-year classical charts. Deutsche Grammophon and Decca between them occupied the top four slots and 13 of the Top 20 chart positions.
Dr Clemens Trautmann (pictured), president Deutsche Grammophon and new business strategy Global Classics, said: “We’re thrilled and hugely incentivised by the fact that Universal Music releases are leaders across the board – whether we’re talking new artists or classical icons, frontline releases or catalogue treasures, premium physical products or streaming, B2B or D2C, core classical or brand-new contemporary repertoire. Congratulations to all the artists who made the list and to our broad-based and highly motivated team!”
Kleopatra Sofroniou, general manager Classics DG, added: “The performance of our labels in the German charts testifies to the quality and commitment of our exceptional artists and teams. I also see it as an endorsement of the A&R and promotional strategies that Deutsche Grammophon and Decca have developed for a truly cutting-edge, customer-oriented marketing approach. I’m very proud of these results and would like to offer my heartfelt thanks to the DG team in Berlin, whose work has played a key role in achieving them.”
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