In the association Preis der deutschen Schallplattenkritik (German Record Critics’ Award), music critics and journalists from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland have come together to award outstanding music and spoken word productions.
We strive for independent judgments, untouched by the interests of producers and the music industry. With currently 32 specialist juries we cover the entire, diverse spectrum of genres, from symphonic music to opera to harpsichord music and spoken word, from jazz to folklore and heavy metal to rock and hip-hop. We publish Quarterly Critic’s Choices honoring the best new releases and also present Annual Awards and Honorary Awards, as well as the »Nachtigall« (Nightingale).
News
The current critic’s choice 1/2026 is here!
Today the German Record Critics’ Award publishes the first quarterly list for 2026.
First »PdSK Talk« as part of the »Hoyschrecke« song festival
PdSK member Petra Schwarz discussed with experts and the audience the situation of songwriters in the era of streaming platforms.
Schedule
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18.02.2026
Tallinn, EstlandAwarding of an Annual Award to Maria Faust
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24.02.2026
Berlin, PhilharmonieQuartet of Critics (Henze: Sinfonia N. 9)
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27.02.2026
14:30
Vienna, State OperaAwarding of an Annual Award to Juan Diego Flórez