Out now: our June issue, featuring Timothy Ridout, music and food, a brand new Thatcher opera and more!
Mrs T: how divisive political titan Margaret Thatcher is set to become an opera icon
A new opera about Margaret Thatcher
reveals the human side of a formidable
prime minister, writes Charlotte Smith
Thomas Adès appointed Hallé principal guest conductor from September 2026
From sofa to studio: can you hear music the way the artist intended?
We explore what really matters when it comes to audio technology – and how it can create a truly authentic listening experience.
BBC Radio 3 Breakfast goes on the road with live broadcasts from the Norfolk and Suffolk coasts
Best of Vivaldi: seven perfect gateways into classical music's most elegant composer
We name seven of the greatest pieces by that melodious Baroque genius, Antonio Lucio Vivaldi
Review: Beyond Vivaldi (Evangelina Mascardi et al)
Evangelina Mascardi is an elegant advocate for her instrument, writes Kate Bolton-Porciatti
2026's best classical music festivals: Australia, Asia and the Middle East
Paul Riley picks out some of 2026's best classical music festivals to look out for around the world
Haydn Symphonies: the ultimate guide
Over the course of nearly 40 years and more than 100 works, Haydn took the symphony into totally new territory. But how to go about exploring this huge and groundbreaking body of music? Let Nicholas Kenyon be your genial guide…
Radio 3 2026 listening figures are on the rise
Radio 3 has achieved a total of 2.1 million listeners in the first quarter of 2026
Meet the most fascinating figures from classical music
Piano ‘accompanists’ rarely get the recognition they so richly deserve
Agatha Christie: crime novelist and wannabe opera singer
Did legendary crime novelist Agatha Christie once harbour ambitions to become an opera singer? Andrew Green follows the clues…
Daniel Barenboim reveals the composer who's been his lifelong fascination
Pianist and conductor Daniel Barenboim talks about his deep relationship with Beethoven's music
The great composers
Explore the lives and works of classical music's finest composers
Sophia Maria Westenholz: trailblazing 18th century pianist, singer, composer - and mother to eight children
Pianist Wu Qian tells the story of an extraordinary musician and composer who defied attitudes of the day to rise to the top of her profession
Grace Williams: the Welsh composer with steel in her soul
For long neglected outside her own nation, the Welsh composer is starting to enjoy her time in the sun again, explains Geraint Lewis
Steve Reich: the pioneering minimalist composer who brought tonality back to music
As he approaches 90, the US composer Steve Reich tells Tom Service about his pride in playing an important part in bringing tonality and pulse back to music
'Great'? These five composers are simply overrated
We invite five of our writers to reveal those whose feted talents leave them seriously underwhelmed
Greatest Recordings
Our recommendations of essential additions to your listening library
Outliers: these 21 albums sound like nothing else their bands ever made
Some albums defy expectations. From Beatles to Neil Young, these outliers reveal bands daring to experiment... and sometimes bewildering their fans
Essential Christmas albums: 10 timeless recordings to get you in the Christmas spirit
What is the perfect music to get oneself into the festive spirit? We ask ten of our writers to name the albums they couldn’t imagine Yuletide without
These are the 31 greatest classical albums to start your collection
Our round-up of the best must-have performances of classical music. Update your collection with the great symphonies, choral works, operas, chamber and instrumental works
Creedence Clearwater Revival albums ranked (the top 3 were tough)
From gritty bayou riffs to fiery protest songs, we rank Creedence’s albums, celebrating swamp-rock mastery, timeless hooks, and raw American energy
Albums of the week
A selection of the best reviewed albums from the latest issue of BBC Music Magazine
Rock music
Explore rock music
I’ve seen over 1,000 bands live. These are the 19 most memorable – including one that never showed up
From blues to punk, rock to soul and everything in between, my years as a musician and music journalist have given me countless unforgettable nights and days
These 17 bands left us one incredible album... then quit
These 17 groups came together for one defining album. Tensions, creative differences or tragedy stopped them from ever producing another
'One-hit wonders'? 15 bands who did so much more than THAT song
Forget the 'fluke' label: these legends defined entire genres, proving their legacy runs far deeper than a single, ubiquitous radio hit
Audio equipment reviews and advice
A selection of the best reviewed albums from the latest issue of BBC Music Magazine
The '80s are back! The best portable cassette and CD players on the market today
Our Audio expert Chris Haslam gives his personal recommendation for buying a modern portable cassette or CD player
CDs are back! And these modern all-in-one CD players are the best way to listen to them
CDs are back! And these modern all-in-one CD players are the best way to listen to them, writes Chris Haslam
