Daniel Harding named LA Philharmonic music director
The British conductor succeeds Gustavo Dudamel from the 2027-28 season
Review: Hartmann: Esther (Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra/Karabits et al)
Hartmann’s score pulses with moral drama and unrelenting energy, says Ashutosh Khandekar
They're making an opera about Margaret Thatcher... and promise to reveal her human side
A new opera about Margaret Thatcher
reveals the human side of a formidable
prime minister, writes Charlotte Smith
The festival shaping the future of classical music
Every summer Budapest hosts Festival Academy Budapest, a pioneering event where classical luminaries and future stars share the stage
Classical music is good at sex. Here are the 15 most erotic works
Just how erotic can music be? Jessica Duchen gets hot under the collar as she explores the most passionate pieces and sensual songs
Scientists have been studying why male humpback whales sing together. And something special is going on
Over a million years, male humpback whales have developed a repertoire of songs whose purpose scientists are now keen to establish, says Tom Service
Video: Timothy Ridout performs Franck's Violin Sonata arranged for viola
Elim Chan named San Francisco Symphony music director
Chan initially joins the orchestra as music director designate and officially begins her tenure as music director in September 2027
Out now: our June issue, featuring Timothy Ridout, music and food, a brand new Thatcher opera and more!
Thomas Adès appointed Hallé principal guest conductor from September 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
These 15 bands were huge in the 1970s. But no one talks about them anymore
They ruled radio, sold millions, and filled arenas – yet history quietly moved on without them. Welcome to the world of the forgotten Seventies stars
These 13 albums are all legendary… for the same sad reason
From creative friction to full-blown studio warfare, these 13 legendary albums pushed their creators to breaking point... and beyond
Love hurts: rock's 15 most iconic couples
From backstage glances to explosive stadium breakups, these fifteen couples defined the passion, chaos, and brilliant art of rock 'n' roll
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
