BBC Music Magazine
Recent articles by BBC Music Magazine
John Eliot Gardiner steps down from Monteverdi Choir and Orchestras
Following a reported assault in August 2023, the acclaimed conductor has stepped back from public music-making, but has said that he will not be retiring
Braimah Kanneh-Mason: all you need to know about the gifted British violinist returning to the Proms this summer
Meet Braimah Kanneh-Mason, the gifted violinist and member of an astoundingly musical family of performers
Jules Buckley: the inimitable conductor, composer and arranger serving up an infectious mix of classical, pop and jazz
Jules Buckley is one of the most dynamic and interesting musicians around today, but who exactly is he? Michael Beek gives you a quick guide
James MacMillan: the composer who found fame with a story of 17th-century witch trials
One of the most prolific in the UK, Scottish composer James MacMillan’s music is oft-programmed and recorded. But exactly who is he? Here’s a brief guide…
'Fit only for entertaining the creatures of hell': the work that wrecked Rachmaninov's confidence - and 14 more composer regrets
The sorry tales of pieces that, for one reason or another, would go on to haunt their own composers
Beethoven: the astonishing force of nature who dragged music into the Romantic era
John Suchet profiles Ludwig van Beethoven - the composer who sparked a musical revolution
Sleepers and Scowlers, Lovebirds and Last-Nighters: your ultimate BBC Proms spotter’s guide
Part of the fun of the BBC Proms is all the fascinating people-watching to be done. From Sleepers to Scowlers, here are 15 Proms stereotypes to spot and tick off. Which one are you?
Timing, poise and mental calm: why legendary gymnast Simone Biles is an inspiration for all musicians
Conductor Gemma New salutes the focus, positivity and grace under pressure of artistic gymnast Simone Biles
Tchaikovsky resolved to marry - anyone - in 1876. What happened next?
Tchaikovsky's marriage to Antonina Milyukova was a disaster, with the composer repressing his homosexuality and finding his wife to be 'absolutely repulsive'
Temples, incense, giant bells hanging from the clouds: the wild world of Scriabin's Mysterium
When Alexander Scriabin died at the tender age of 43, the Russian composer left incomplete the most ambitious piece of music ever envisaged. Robert Barry tells the tale
Magazine
BBC National Orchestra of Wales: all you need to know about the Welsh orchestra returning to the Proms in 2024
Discover the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, one of the BBC's five orchestras and an ambassador for classical music in Wales
These are the pieces that classical musicians love (and hate) to play. One composer comes up a lot
Which works do orchestral players love to play? And which do they dread? We head round the sections of some of Europe’s finest ensembles to find out
Handel’s Music for the Royal Fireworks – a guide to the uplifting work composed to mark the end of a war
Handel’s uncanny gift for furnishing a great moment in history with suitably grandiose music is brilliantly demonstrated in his Music for the Royal Fireworks
Rostropovich: the artist who changed the cello forever
Rostropovich was the most influential cellist of any era, a force of nature who inspired many of the 20th century’s greatest works. His former pupil Elizabeth Wilson recalls his extraordinary talent, eventful life and magnetic personality
Reduced stress, healthy heart… and five other surprising benefits that music will give you
We know that music has a positive effect on the brain, but music’s impact on the body can also be helpful, improving heart health, stress levels and pain management
August 2024
Who is Yo-Yo Ma? Everything you need to know about the legendary American cellist who returns to the Proms this summer
Meet Yo-Yo Ma, the brilliant US cellist, who has inspired players and audiences around the world
Rhapsody in Blue: 100 years of George Gershwin's jazz-classical marvel - and the 5 great recordings you need
In February 1924 George Gershwin gave the world premiere of Rhapsody in Blue to tumultuous applause, although some critics were not convinced...
Deadly serious: the bizarre and tragic deaths of 10 famous composers
Some of the most well-known composers met their ends in highly unusual ways...
'One player sits on the other's lap': classical music's 15 weirdest works
Step forward Ligeti, Stockhausen and, er, Mozart: here are classical music's strangest, craziest and weirdest compositions
Haven of peaceful stillness, or omen of disaster? The most evocative music inspired by the Moon
From its gentle, silvery glow to its threatening presence, the Moon has been a constant source of inspiration for composers, discovers Simon Heighes
24-year-old Tarmo Peltokoski named Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra music director
The young Finnish conductor will become the orchestra’s next music director from the 2026-27 season, succeeding Jaap van Zweden
The best Independence Day songs and music you can sing along to this Fourth of July
We celebrate Independence Day this 4th July with some of the best USA patriotic music ever written