Jeremy Pound
Recent articles by Jeremy Pound
Composers who died young: 12 prodigious musical talents who didn't see 40
Many composers have died very young and often, we assume, at the height of their creative powers. Jeremy Pound explores the lives of 12 composers who died before reaching their 40th birthday.
Bachs to Von Trapps: music's 10 greatest dynasties
Jeremy Pound ponders nurture, nature and ancestral trees as he admires the collective talents of history’s most musical families
Secrets of the castrati: the eye-watering surgery that created opera's greatest stars
Italian opera castrati enjoyed cult status in the 17th and 18th centuries but, explains Jeremy Pound, the path to stardom was a notoriously dangerous one
These 7 composers were desperately unhappy in love - but forged sublime music from their pain
When it comes to love, the great composers are, frankly, pretty much like the rest of us: hopeless. Here are six composers who endured terrible love lives
'You're nothing but an arse': Erik Satie goes to jail, 1917
When a critic wrote a scathing review of his new ballet Parade, Erik Satie responded in caustic terms - and found himself standing up in court
Sex mad! A history of bed-hopping composers
Jeremy Pound lifts the covers off those notorious notesmiths who found the thrill of playing away simply too hard to resist
'He was rumoured to carry a loaded revolver': meet the 15 types of conductor
Studying great maestros past and present, Jeremy Pound gives a spotters’ guide to character types regularly seen on the podium
'Unperformable': the much-loved masterpiece that almost never got off the ground
What happens when a composer writes a work that is simply too difficult for its intended performers? Jeremy Pound takes a look at ten such examples
Baroque composers: 11 of the greatest musicians from a dazzling era of music
Just who were the Baroque’s finest exponents? Great names abound, but here are ten of the best Baroque composers who should be on anyone’s list…
The year everyone did the conga... and 99 more unforgettable BBC Proms
Jeremy Pound looks at some of the finest moments – plus a few not-so-glorious episodes – from the BBC's near-100-year guardianship of the world’s greatest classical music festival
The 1970s legend who swapped prog rock epics for classical music
Genesis keyboard player Tony Banks was a seminal figure in the 1970s prog rock movement. Now, he's pivoted into classical music. Jeremy Pound quizzes him on his musical journey
The conductor with the 4-metre baton... and more unbelievable musical records
Jeremy Pound goes in search of some of classical music's most eye-catching record breakers
The Phil Collins classic that borrows a forgotten, centuries-old piano tune
Deputy editor Jeremy Pound chooses six of the best pop and rock songs with classical music at their heart
So you like Vivaldi's Four Seasons... why not try these other seasonal works?
Can you name the USA's 'Big Five' orchestras?
Jeremy Pound explores the history of USA's Big Five orchestras - and a landmark historical moment from each
Romantic classical music: 15 perfect soundtracks for your romantic evening
Planning a Valentine's dinner with your loved one? Here are our favourite pieces of romantic classical music that will set the mood
Lang Lang. John Williams. The Nazis. 11 unforgettable Olympic musical moments
As the Olympic Games come to Paris, Jeremy Pound explores how music has played its part in shaping this greatest of sporting events
Best hymns of all time: when rousing lyrics and magnificent music meet in perfect harmony
We name 11 of the best hymns of all time - perfect marriages of rousing lyrics and memorable melodies
Musical politicians: From Nero to Nixon, 11 great political figures with musical talent to burn
With the US presidential election looming, we name the musical politicians vying for the position of history’s most musical world leader
These 15 famous figures all tried composing. Some were pretty good. Others... not so much
Which famous people have also tried their hand at writing music?
Vienna New Year Concert 2025: programme, history, how to watch
When is the Vienna New Year's Day concert broadcast across the world? Everything you need to know about this prestigious event
Oldest Christmas carol: a guide to the dawn of a much-loved tradition
The first - and oldest - Christmas carol was written in the fourth century, says Jeremy Pound
15 Christmas music essentials - a must-have list for classical music lovers
It’s time to make a few notes, please, as Jeremy Pound sets out
his musical must-have list for the festive season that lies ahead
Best national anthems: 15 of the most uplifting national hymns
We pick out the best national anthems from around the world, and analyse the little bit of magic that each one brings