An optical recording medium has a phase-change recording layer containing Sb and Te as essential elements therefor, to which is added at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ag, Au, Cu, Zn, B, Al, Ga, In, Si, Ge, Sn, Pb, N, P, Bi, La, Ce, Gd, and Tb, the recording layer being capable of assuming an amorphous phase changed from a crystalline phase by the application of a laser beam thereto, thereby optically recording information. Recording marks are formed in the recording medium by converting a light emission wave of laser beam into a recording pulse train comprising a plurality of on-pulses and off-pulses, with a recording frequency being continuously changed corresponding to the location of each of the recording marks in the radial direction of said recording medium. A recording apparatus has laser beam driving circuit means, signal generation means, and signal transmission means for achieving the above recording method.