Richard Morrison
Chief Music Critic, The Times
Richard Morrison is the chief music critic and culture writer for The Times. He is also a columnist for BBC Music Magazine, for which he was awarded Columnist of the Year at the 2012 PPA Awards. In 2004, he released a biography of the London Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra: The LSO: A Century of Triumph and Turbulence, to celebrate its centenary. The book was published by Faber & Faber. Morrison is a former orchestral trombonist and organist.
Recent articles by Richard Morrison
Is genius overrated? Why genius composers need ordinary 'second-rankers' in order to thrive
The ability to recognise creative genius is of fundamental value when it comes to composers sharing their music with the world, argues columnist Richard Morrison
Music and AI: how AI will shape the future of music
The AI revolution is here, but how will it affect the musical world? We look into the future of music and AI – and how the two will be irrevocably linked
Why musicians shouldn't be afraid to take on political causes
The film Maestro reminded us that Bernstein was a tremendously political figure, championing causes boldly and bravely. Where are the fearless conductors and soloists of today, speaking out about political and social wrongs that need addressing?
Who were the great divas?
Once the ultimate accolade, the term ‘diva’ today has far more negative connotations. Richard Morrison traces the troubled evolution of the 'diva'
The curse of bullying in music: how it needs to stop
There is nothing civilised about bullying, says Richard Morrison
Richard Morrison: 'In this financial crisis, we must all do our part to support the arts'
Our regular columnist argues that support for the arts is now more crucial than ever
Musicians are doing encores all wrong, says Richard Morrison
Performers shouldn’t wait until their encore to share something personal
The Queen's contribution to classical music
Richard Morrison celebrates all Queen Elizabeth II has done for classical music
How Russia’s military action is further damaging its declining music scene
'What I find questionable are calls for a blanket ban on all things Russian, including performers who have bravely issued condemnations of the invasion, and, farcically, the music of Tchaikovsky and Musorgsky,' says Richard Morrison
Should orchestras ditch concert dress and have a more casual dress code?
As orchestras try to modernise their image, is it now time to ditch the dinner jacket?
Why the early music revolution of the 1970s was truly a moment to savour
The early 1970s were full of brilliant young musicians determined to overthrow anachronistic, Romanticised approaches to old music, and do so with panache, says Richard Morrison
Six of the best recordings of Elgar's Cello Concerto
With so many cellists, so many very different interpretations, we search for an account of Elgar's much-loved Concerto that best captures the work's emotional heartland. Here are the best recordings of Elgar's Cello Concerto
Why classical music can make you cry, according to various theories
Just how accurately can we predict the impact of music on our emotions? Richard Morrison takes a look at the evidence
Richard Morrison applauds the musicians and orchestras who have thrived during the pandemic
The pandemic forced musicians, orchestras, opera companies and producers to think afresh. Many rose to the challenge admirably and have changed the musical landscape indelibly
Richard Morrison: why music education in the UK is under threat – but there's still hope
BBC Music Magazine columnist Richard Morrison looks at the impact government cuts and the Covid pandemic have had on young music students and why things need to change
Richard Morrison: Why we need to support local musicians after the pandemic
In order to survive in the long-term, UK orchestras need to embed themselves in the community, BBC Music Magazine's columnist Richard Morrison argues
Richard Morrison: Who will join Purcell, Elgar and Britten as British composing greats?
BBC Music Magazine columnist Richard Morrison on the living composers who will be known, remembered and celebrated in the future
Richard Morrison: London's conductor exodus will bring fresh opportunities to the city
BBC Music Magazine columnist Richard Morrison on the imminent departures of Simon Rattle, Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla, Vladimir Jurowski and Esa-Pekka Salonen, and what they mean for the future of the UK's classical music industry
Are concert halls giving musicians with disabilities a fair opportunity?
Richard Morrison's April 2018 column following Nick van Bloss's accusations of discrimination
Elisabeth Schwarzkopf
Perfect voice, perfect technique, consummate artistry: a radiant blonde beauty who transcended the controversy about her Nazi years.