EMI Classics is a record label of EMI, formed in 1990 in order to reduce the need to create country-specific packaging and catalogs for internationally distributed classical music releases.
Classical recordings were formerly simultaneously released under combinations of Angel, Seraphim, Odeon, Columbia, His Master's Voice, and other labels, in part because competitors own these names in various countries. These have been moved under the EMI Classics umbrella to avoid the trademark problems. Releases created for distribution in specific countries are still distributed under the historical names, except for Columbia as EMI sold the Columbia name to Sony Music Entertainment. The red logo harkens back to the Red Seal releases, introduced by EMI predecessor the Gramophone Company in 1902. So HMV classical releases had red labels.
EMI Classics also incorporates the Virgin Classics label.
Classical recordings were formerly simultaneously released under combinations of Angel, Seraphim, Odeon, Columbia, His Master's Voice, and other labels, in part because competitors own these names in various countries. These have been moved under the EMI Classics umbrella to avoid the trademark problems. Releases created for distribution in specific countries are still distributed under the historical names, except for Columbia as EMI sold the Columbia name to Sony Music Entertainment. The red logo harkens back to the Red Seal releases, introduced by EMI predecessor the Gramophone Company in 1902. So HMV classical releases had red labels.
EMI Classics also incorporates the Virgin Classics label.
