Varèse Sarabande albums discography

Varèse Sarabande is an American record label founded in 1978 and is currently owned by Concord Music. Its catalog includes film scores, television soundtracks, original cast recordings, and classical works. In the 1980s and 1990s, the label became an active publisher of soundtracks, releasing titles on LP, cassette, and CD.

VC/VX series (1978)

Starting in 1978, Varèse Sarabande released both classical works and motion picture soundtracks on vinyl (LP). Some of the titles were reissued by Intrada Records, Kritzerland Records, and Citadel Records.

STV and CTV series (1979–1987)

In 1979, Varèse Sarabande introduced a new cataloging system using the "STV" prefix to differentiate its television and film soundtrack releases from its classical music catalog. Many of these early soundtrack titles were later reissued on CD, either by Varèse Sarabande or by other labels. These reissues are often cataloged under the label's 47000 series or as part of its CD Club.

From 1984 to 1990, most soundtracks were issued in both LP and CD formats. Titles released on cassette can be identified by their "CTV" prefix.

In 1987, Varèse Sarabande entered into a distribution agreement with MCA Distributing. The partnership increased Varèse Sarabande’s soundtrack output.

704/1000 digital LP series (1979–1988)

Beginning in 1979, the label distinguished its digital records from their standard editions with the 704/1000 series. The series features classical releases and digital soundtracks. It lasted until 1988, when the label officially joined MCA.

The DBX Recording Technology Showcase Series was released as part of the 1000 series.

Some soundtrack releases had a CD counterpart that share the same catalog number, though few were produced. Since these vinyl albums were not released with a suffix, VCDM has been added to avoid confusion between the 704 series CD as Varèse Sarabande Digital LP.[citation needed]

5200 LP series (1988–1991)

After the label completed its deal with MCA Distributing, they continued to produce records until 1991.

The label reassigned the number of their LPs to match their CD counterparts. CDs used a VSD prefix (Varèse Sarabande Disc) while LPs used a VS prefix. Not all CD releases had an LP counterpart.

47000 series (1983–1987)

Varèse Sarabande began producing compact discs around 1983. Their initial releases were created without a barcode and were printed and produced by the Japan Victor Company (JVC). The label switched to Laser Video for a period between 1986 and 1987. Later releases were exclusively pressed by JVC America. This series is known for gaps in the catalog numbers.

This series was started by Tom Null. Null left Varèse in 1993 to start Citadel Records, which reissued a lot of Varèse's out-of-print titles.

Varèse made an agreement with Columbia House to release a selection of classical titles and were marked with the Columbia Record Club moniker "CRC."

70400 series (1988)

This batch of titles started with Varèse's new distribution deal with MCA (later on Universal Music Group (UMG)) in late 1987. The label instituted a barcode system with a limited press run during the label's transition with MCA. These titles featured a unique package design.

5200–7500 series (1988–2018)

Varèse Sarabande partnered with MCA Distribution in 1988. The label adopted the MCA catalog numbering system with the prefix VSD for disc, VSC for cassette, and VSV for video. This ended when Concord Records assumed control of the company in 2018. Catalog numbers without a title are usually assigned to a release that wasn't ready for an official announcement. Older unassigned numbers either experienced a production delay or were canceled.

Varèse Sarabande branched into other music genres during this time with Varèse Spotlight, Varèse Jazz, Varèse Vintage, Water Music, Fuel 2000, and Wildcat. All divisions share the same catalog numbering system, but only the Varèse Sarabande, Spotlight, and Vintage share the same number sequence. Some soundtracks were released as digital download and are not available on CD. The Broadway Musical, Spotlight, and Jazz divisions were closed by 2001.

Colosseum Records was the label's international division located in Nuremberg, Germany. It released all US soundtracks as well as soundtracks for some European films. The German pressings feature different branding. The label would close in 2015.

This series features reissues of LP titles, including titles from the Sony, MCA, Arista Records, Decca, and Bay Cities catalogues.

The New VSD Series (2018–present)

The label was acquired by Concord Music in 2018 and abandoned the PolyGram/Universal numbering system. A new series was started as a result of Concord's UPC prefix. The rest of the UPC does not necessarily match the catalog number and all have the VSD prefix regardless of format. LP versions are in a separate section. This list concentrates on the CD portion and not digital releases.

Varèse Sarabande CD Club (1989–1992)

The CD Club debuted in March 1989 as mail order exclusives with limited edition discs. This first incarnation of the club ran from 1989 to 1992. Varèse Sarabande reissue scores from older or unsuccessful films as well as titles that were unavailable as regular releases. All were hand numbered with limited to runs of 1000 to 2500. The catalog numbers correspond to the month and year of release with the volume number following the decimal.

Two special budget releases appeared in 1992 for the final club year. They were limited to 1000 copies and sold out quickly.

Varèse Sarabande CD Club (2001–present)

The return of the Varèse Club was announced in 1998 and launched in November 2001.

Club titles released quarterly, usually with up to four albums. It uses the same numbering system as the previous club. The label slowed down production in 2013.

This line featured the Encore Series. It reissued of out-of-print catalog titles with many limited to 1000 copies.

The Limited Edition Series (2009–2018)

The Limited Edition Series was created in 2009 as an offshoot of the CD Club and concentrates on soundtracks for direct to video films, short-run theatrical titles, mini-series, and television series. The majority of titles under this banner are limited to 1000 copies and look like the standard Varèse Sarabande with slight changes to the branding. The label occasionally offered signed autographed booklets of these releases.

LP to CD Series (2015–2016)

The LP to CD Subscription Series was created June 2015 and ended in May 2016. It released titles from their past LP catalog that could be transferred from vinyl records to CDs.

The list reflects the assigned catalog number for each title and not the order in which the titles were released during the subscription.

We Hear You Series (2016–2018)

This series started in late 2016 as a way to release titles that were highly requested by fans. The series ended in early 2018 after Concord took over the label.

Masters Film Music (1989–1992, 2002–2016)

This label imprint began in 1986 after a distribution deal with Twentieth Century Fox.

The label became a full-fledged series of CDs when the club launched in 1989. It ended in 2016.

Varèse 500 Series (2016–2017)

This series was unveiled in December 2016 and was designed to reissue out-of-print titles from the entire commercial catalog. These featured new artwork and was limited to 500 copies. The series appears to be dormant.


Andante Records (1982–1984)

This offshoot was meant for classical releases during the early 1980s, though two film soundtracks were also produced. The prefix for the LPs started with AD and their CDs with ACD.

Some releases made it to the CD format in 1984, but the project was cancelled that year. Many of the classical titles released on LP were reissued as part of Varèse's 47000 CD series.


Colossal Records (1989–1992)

This offshoot of Varèse Sarabande made scores to vanity titles from television mini-series and obscure films. They appear similar to the regular Varèse Sarabande soundtracks, but with a differently colored logo, lettering, and spine. The titles on this subsidiary were confirmed to be paid for by the label.

One title in this series, Bed and Breakfast, looks like the standard Varèse Sarabande releases due to an error in the number sequence.

Varèse Signature Series (2017)

This series was intended for soundtracks to smaller films and were not a part of the standard catalog releases. The CD's were sold exclusively through the Varèse Sarabande website. This series was cancelled after one release and is no longer active.

VSD-7509 Jasmine – Shie Rozow (Limited to 300 copies)

Digital Release Series (2003–present)

Some Varèse Sarabande titles are exclusive digital releases via various online websites including iTunes, Amazon and Tidal. The first release in 2003 was met with a bad reception due to collectors wanting a physical CD. This happened again with the next release in 2004. A physical CD was released that summer, though with less content.

In later years, the label released titles exclusively as digital, though three of these titles were released as limited edition CDs. A few titles have appeared on Amazon as part of an on demand CDR series. Numbers in this series appear to be random, but may coincide with potential release numbers assigned from the main series' (5200–7500) cancelled releases.

The label's website announces these as digital only releases.

Varèse Sarabande Vinyl (special editions and releases / reissues) (2013–present)

The label made a return to vinyl and reissued of some of their older albums on CD. Many were special limited editions in colored or unique vinyl. Many of these LPs were available through stores such as Barnes & Noble, Mondo and Fire Records as exclusives to promote Record Store Day. Others are exclusive to the Varèse Sarabande website.

Varèse Sarabande Vinyl Club (2023–present)

This Vinyl Club is a spinoff of the original Varèse CD Club featuring special edition soundtracks in the vinyl format. These titles will only be available through the Varèse Sarabande website with no membership required.

The Cancelled Albums (1987–present)

Varèse has a number of cancelled albums. Some were announced, but released by a different label.

Many albums have "phantom" numbers, meaning that they were assigned catalogue numbers before cancellation. Many of these are listed in the CD catalog throughout the 47000, 704, 5200, and 6000, the Varèse Sarabande Club, and Masters Film Music series. Many were announced at publications such as Film Score Monthly and the Muze music database.

Some reasons for cancellation include publishing and copyright conflicts, uncooperative studios and production companies, lost orchestral sketches, and lost or damaged recording tapes. Entries within the catalog are listed with their official number. Entries not assigned an official number are labeled as VSDC-0000 (Varèse Sarabande disc cancellation) and year of announcement (1998, 2000, etc.)

References

  1. ↑ Townson, Robert. Varèse Sarabande Celebrates 35th Anniversary Concert Gala — Program. Robert Townson Productions, May 11, 2013. PDF. https://roberttownson-productions.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Varese35_Program_Final.pdf
  2. ↑ "Varèse Sarabande Acquired by Concord Music - Concord - News". 2018-02-07. Retrieved 2025-11-20.
  3. 1 2 "Varèse Sarabande CD Club - MusicBrainz".
  4. ↑ "Varese Sarabande | Soundtrack Geek V2". Archived from the original on 2019-08-24. Retrieved 2019-08-05.
  5. ↑ "Varèse Sarabande". Discogs.com.
  6. 1 2 "Popular Science". December 1979.
  7. 1 2 3 "Billboard". 27 October 1979.
  8. ↑ "Night Of The Living Dead (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) (1982, Vinyl)". Discogs.com. 1982. Retrieved 7 January 2022.
  9. ↑ "Michel Legrand / Morton Stevens – Slapstick Of Another Kind (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) (1984, Vinyl)". Discogs.com. 1984. Retrieved 7 January 2022.
  10. ↑ "Roy Budd And Jerry & Marc Donahue – Commando (Who Dares Wins) Bande Originale Du Film (1983, Vinyl)". Discogs.com. 1983. Retrieved 7 January 2022.
  11. ↑ "[:en]Recording & Digital Media[:fr]Enregistrement et médias numériques[:]". American Federation of Musicians. 22 February 2016. Retrieved 7 January 2022.
  12. ↑ "Charles Bernstein – Deadly Friend (2007, CD)". Discogs.com. Retrieved 7 January 2022.
  13. ↑ "Little Box Of Horrors (2016, CD)". Discogs.com. 18 November 2016. Retrieved 7 January 2022.
  14. ↑ "Victor Company Of Japan, Ltd". Discogs.com.
  15. ↑ "CDs manufactured by LaserVideo / Disctronics / Disc Mfg. (USA) (my collection only) by mjb | Discogs Lists". Discogs.com.
  16. ↑ "JVC Disc America". Discogs.com.
  17. ↑ "Citadel (3)". Discogs.com.
  18. 1 2 3 4 5 Burlingame, Jon (8 December 2018). "Varèse Sarabande's Top 10 Sellers List Led by 'Ghost,' 'T2,' 'Star Wars' Albums". Variety.com. Retrieved 16 May 2019.
  19. ↑ "Various - Raw Deal (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)". Discogs. November 1992.
  20. ↑ "Various - Raw Deal (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)". Discogs. November 1992.
  21. ↑ "Brad Fiedel - The Serpent And The Rainbow (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)". Discogs. 1988.
  22. ↑ "Various, Charles Bernstein, Marco Beltrami, Howard Shore, Michael Convertino, Jay Chattaway, Jerry Goldsmith, Robert Cobert, Richard Stone (2), Brad Fiedel - Little Box Of Horrors". Discogs. 18 November 2016.
  23. ↑ "Varèse Sarabande Spotlight Series". Discogs.com. Retrieved 16 May 2019.
  24. ↑ "Varèse Sarabande Jazz". Discogs.com. Retrieved 16 May 2019.
  25. ↑ "Varѐse Vintage". Varesesarabande. Retrieved 16 May 2019.
  26. ↑ "Fuel 2000". Discogs.com. Retrieved 16 May 2019.
  27. ↑ "Fynsworth Alley". Discogs.com. Retrieved 16 May 2019.
  28. ↑ "Colosseum Schallplatten GmbH". Discogs.com. Retrieved 16 May 2019.
  29. ↑ "John Carpenter - Greatest Hits". Discogs. 13 May 2023.
  30. ↑ "John Carpenter - Dark Star (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)". Discogs. 1992.
  31. ↑ "John Carpenter - Greatest Hits: Volume II". Discogs. September 1992.
  32. ↑ "John Williams (4) · National Philharmonic Orchestra · Charles Gerhardt - The Empire Strikes Back (Symphonic Suite From The Original Motion Picture Score)". Discogs. 1985.
  33. ↑ "John Williams (4) · National Philharmonic Orchestra · Charles Gerhardt - The Empire Strikes Back (Symphonic Suite From The Original Motion Picture Score)". Discogs. 1992.
  34. ↑ "Hans Zimmer - K2 (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)". Discogs. 1991.
  35. ↑ "Hans Zimmer - Music Inspired By The Film K2". Discogs. 1991.
  36. 1 2 "David Shire - Bed & Breakfast (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)". Discogs. 1992.
  37. ↑ "Joseph LoDuca - The Evil Dead (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)". Discogs. March 1993.
  38. ↑ "Bill Conti - Blood In Blood Out (Music From The Original Motion Picture Score)". Discogs. 1993.
  39. ↑ "Last Man Standing (1996) - IMDb". IMDb. 20 September 1996.
  40. ↑ "John Ottman - Portrait Of Terror (A Soundtrack Of Horror)". Discogs. 1998.
  41. ↑ "Varèse Sarabande im November: RIGHTEOUS KILL, FLASH OF GENIUS & CHANGELING - Scores & Veröffentlichungen - Soundtrack Board". Archived from the original on 2021-04-15. Retrieved 2021-04-15.
  42. 1 2 "FSM Board: New Varese:it's COMPLICATED, EVERYBOdy's FINE, etc". Filmscoremonthly.com.
  43. ↑ "Stu Phillips - Knight Rider (Original Television Soundtrack)". Discogs.com. 12 April 2019. Retrieved 16 May 2019.
  44. 1 2 "Varèse Sarabande". Discogs.com. Retrieved 16 May 2019.
  45. ↑ "Bill Conti - Blood In Blood Out (Music From The Original Motion Picture Score)". Discogs.com. 1993. Retrieved 16 May 2019.
  46. 1 2 3 "Varèse Sarabande CD Club". Discogs.
  47. ↑ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2019-12-26. Retrieved 2021-04-15.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  48. ↑ "Varèse Encore". Discogs.com.
  49. ↑ "CD Club". Varesesarabande. Retrieved 16 May 2019.
  50. ↑ "Matrix: The Complete Score (2-5.1 SA-CD)". Varesesarabande. Archived from the original on 16 June 2021. Retrieved 16 May 2019.
  51. ↑ "Limited Edition Series". Varesesarabande. Retrieved 16 May 2019.
  52. ↑ "Various - Varese Sarabande LP To CD Subscription Series". Discogs. 20 March 2020.
  53. ↑ Varesesarabande.com
  54. ↑ "Varèse 500". Discogs.
  55. ↑ "Colossal Records (7)". Discogs.com. Retrieved 16 May 2019.
  56. ↑ "Harry Gregson-Williams - Man On Fire (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)". Discogs. 27 July 2004.
  57. 1 2 "Digital". Varesesarabande. Archived from the original on 28 April 2019. Retrieved 16 May 2019.
  58. 1 2 "Decoding Annie Parker (Digital Only) - Digital". Varesesarabande. Archived from the original on 28 April 2019. Retrieved 16 May 2019.
  59. 1 2 "Life Of Crime (Digital Only) - Digital". Varesesarabande. Archived from the original on 28 April 2019. Retrieved 16 May 2019.
  60. ↑ "Evidence Soundtrack". Amazon.com. 2 August 2013. Retrieved 16 May 2019.
  61. ↑ "Man On Fire (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) by Harry Gregson-Williams on Amazon Music". Amazon.com. Retrieved 16 May 2019.
  62. ↑ "Home Again (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) by John Debney on Amazon Music". Amazon.com. Retrieved 16 May 2019.
  63. ↑ "Minecraft Editition Lightsaber".
  64. ↑ "Film Score Monthly". Filmscoremonthly.com.
  65. ↑ "John Scott / Graunke Symphony Orchestra – King Kong Lives (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) (1987, Vinyl)". Discogs. 1987.
  66. ↑ "Elmer Bernstein – the Great Escape (1999, CD)". Discogs. 1999.
  67. ↑ "Elmer Bernstein, Royal Scottish National Orchestra – the Magnificent Seven (1999, CD)". Discogs. 1999.