L'Oiseau Lyre classical records is a branch of Decca, an association that goes back to the 1950s. Specialising in the recording of early music, L'Oiseau Lyre created an extensive catalogue of music from medieval works up to the chamber music of Shostakovich.

Since the advent of the LP L'Oiseau Lyre has been one of the major contributors to the worldwide discography of ancient and early music and were leading proponents of 'authentic instruments' performance. To their mutual benefit, the company employed many aspiring newcomers as well as established artists, and the roster includes such acknowledged specialists as Christopher Hogwood and the Academy of Ancient Music, Anthony Rooley and The Consort of Musicke, Emma Kirkby and the Fitzwilliam String Quartet.