What is the point of John Cage's 4'33"?
How composer John Cage bemused, intrigued and (in some cases) angered New York with the sound of his silent new composition, 4'33"
The Last Post: what is its history and why is it played during Remembrance Day?
Played on the bugle, the Last Post is a poignant tune performed at remembrance services across the world. Jeremy Pound explores its history and significance
What is a nursery rhyme?
We all know nursery rhymes. But how did originate? And how have composers used them in pieces of classical music? Here is our guide to this traditional form of singing-storytelling
City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra to allow filming of its classical concerts
Aiming to appeal to a younger audience not interested in the 'old rules', the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) is to allow audiences to take pictures and film during breaks in its classical concerts
The Piano TV show: what is it, who are the judges, how to watch
The Piano: all you need to know about the popular Channel 4 TV show featuring talented amateur pianists - including presenter, judges, broadcast dates and more
Zarqa Al Yamama: Sarah Connolly stars as Saudi Arabia stages its very first opera
English mezzo-soprano Sarah Connolly stars in Saudi Arabia's first homegrown opera, which draws on an ancient Arabic tale of warring tribes. Jeremy Pound investigates
What are the lyrics to 'Ding Dong! Merrily on High'?
Did you know the tune to 'Ding Dong! Merrily on High' dates back all the way to the 16th century? Its lyrics, though, are somewhat younger...
Who are the BBC Singers?
You may have heard about this choir, particularly when its existence came under threat. But who exactly are the BBC Singers? How were they founded? Here is all you need to know about this long-standing group of musicians
What are the lyrics for 'London Bridge is falling down'?
Did you know the nursery rhyme 'London Bridge is falling down' dates back to the 17th century? Here are its famous lyrics
Beethoven symphonies: a guide to 'the Nine'
No composer changed the symphony more radically than Beethoven... Here is a guide to all nine of his symphonies and their best recordings
Meet the most fascinating figures from classical music
Jeneba Kanneh-Mason signs for Sony Classical
The talented young pianist Jeneba Kanneh-Mason, sister of Sheku, Isata and Braimah, will record a debut featuring Chopin, Debussy and more
Jakub Józef Orliński: the breakdancing countertenor and cover model who has graced the world's biggest opera stages
Star countertenor, breakdancer and model Jakub Józef Orliński enjoys a challenge – and he’s now applying his boundless commitment and energy to the role of artistic director on his new recording of Gluck’s Orfeo, as he tells Rebecca Franks
Conductor Sir Andrew Davis (1944-2024)
The conductor Sir Andrew Davis was perhaps best known for his recordings of English composers Elgar and Vaughan Williams - but there was also one very memorable Proms performance
The great composers
Explore the lives and works of classical music's finest composers
How many symphonies did Beethoven write?
An introduction to the 19th-century composer Beethoven's great orchestral symphonies - and some other great composers who managed the same tally
25 best British composers of all time
We asked 167 top international musicians to vote for the best British composers of all time. Here are the results… Do you agree - and who was voted number one?
The best German composers of all time
Germany has produced some of the greatest compositional voices in history – many of whom are considered among the best across the entire globe. Here, in alphabetical order, we present some of the very best
When was Beethoven's funeral and how many people attended?
The story of thousands gathering in Vienna for Beethoven’s final farewell
Greatest Recordings
Our recommendations of essential additions to your listening library
Mendelssohn's Piano Trio No. 1 in D minor: a guide to a great chamber work and its best recordings
Jo Talbot celebrates the ‘Mozart of the 19th century’ as she searches out the finest recordings of this masterful work for piano, violin and cello
Ryuichi Sakamoto: the best recordings
We rank the essential albums of Ryuichi Sakamoto, the pioneering film composer, electronic artist and solo performer
Six of the best landmark jazz recordings
Jazz has undergone many changes of style over the last century, not least with the arrival of rock music. Neil McKim picks out some pivotal concerts
Five of the best albums by jazz pianist Dave Brubeck
Dave Brubeck's rhythmic and tonal free-wheeling helped him become the epitome of 1950s and ’60s cool. We name his best recordings on disc
Albums of the week
A selection of the best reviewed albums from the latest issue of BBC Music Magazine
Audio equipment reviews and advice
A selection of the best reviewed albums from the latest issue of BBC Music Magazine
DAB vs DAB+: What's the difference between DAB and DAB+?
In the next decade, we will see changes in the radio industry, with many stations moving across from DAB to DAB+. But what actually is the difference between the two – and what do radio listeners need to know in the battle of DAB vs DAB+?
The best office audio equipment: How to upgrade your office audio experience
Improve the quality of your laptop audio and introduce these top-of-the-range pieces of office audio equipment to your working-from-home set-up
Best portable speakers for enjoying your music indoors and outdoors
Our audio expert Chris Haslam chooses the best portable speakers for enjoying your music inside the home and in the great outdoors