Hildegard von Bingen: writer, theologian, composer, naturalist... and scourge of a corrupt Church
Your guide to the music of the 12-century nun, Hildegard von Bingen: her inspirations, her unique sound and recommended recordings of her work
Where do you start with Schubert? Five great works to kick off your Schubert journey
We choose the best pieces by the legendary musical prodigy, Schubert
Beethoven's Symphony No. 2: a sunny work peppered with brutal sforzandos
We dive into Beethoven's playful, exuberant Second Symphony
Twelve-tone works: five of the best
We choose some of the best works by serialist composers
Kronos Quartet: the American string quartet celebrating 50 years of sonic adventures
As the Kronos Quartet reaches its 50th year, leader David Harrington speaks to Simon Broughton about transforming the quartet model and repertoire
Ben Nobuto: meet the composer bringing videogame adventures to the First Night of the Proms
The Japanese/British composer's 'Hallelujah Sim' receives its world premiere at the First Night of the Proms on 19 July 2024
50 'William Shakespeares' take part in protest march against axing of Northern Ballet’s live orchestra
The protestors dressed as the famous English playwright in a bid to stop Northern Ballet’s live orchestra being replaced by recorded music for its touring productions
The Kanneh-Masons: meet Britain's most talented musical family
Sheku Kanneh-Mason caught the world's attention when he performed at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding, but his siblings are just as talented...
Clive Myrie: a brief guide to the BBC Proms and BBC General Election presenter
Everything you need to know about the Mastermind presenter and new star of the BBC Proms presenting line-up, Clive Myrie
Isata Kanneh-Mason: all you need to know about the gifted British pianist returning to the Proms this summer
Meet Isata Kanneh-Mason, the gifted pianist and member of an astoundingly musical family of performers.
Meet the most fascinating figures from classical music
Timothy Ridout: a guide to the brilliant British viola player you'll see at the 2024 BBC Proms
Here's an introduction to the brilliant British viola player Timothy Ridout, who puts in an appearance at the 2024 BBC Proms with a performance of Mozart's luminous Sinfonia Concertante alongside violinist Clara-Jumi Kang.
John Wilson: a great British conductor, equally at home with Hollywood Golden Age and English classical gems
He cut his teeth as a conductor when he was still only a schoolboy, then, aged 22, founded a light music band which is still going strong. But who exactly is John Wilson? Here is everything you need to know about the conductor, arranger and musical scholar
Who is Karen Cargill? A guide to the operatic mezzo-soprano performing Verdi at the 2024 BBC Proms
All you need to know about the Scottish operatic mezzo-soprano Karen Cargill
The great composers
Explore the lives and works of classical music's finest composers
Fanny Mendelssohn: an unsung Romantic
Bella Noel uncovers the talents of Felix's big sister and how the determined woman battled social prejudices.
Alban Berg: from lush Romanticism to the wilder shores of Serialism
Read on for an introduction to the life and work of the Austrian composer who travelled from rich Romanticism into the austere Serialism of his teacher Schoenberg
Clara Schumann: child prodigy, concert pianist, pioneering female composer
We explore the life of the great Romantic pianist and composer Clara Schumann
Charles Ives: the man who gave America a new kind of music
Read all about the life and times of the man justly renowned as America's first great composer
Greatest Recordings
Our recommendations of essential additions to your listening library
The Planets by Holst: a guide to this truly cosmic work and its best recordings
We bring you the best recordings of each movement of Holst's The Planets
Beethoven symphonies: a guide to 'the Nine'
No composer changed the symphony more radically than Beethoven... Here is a guide to all nine of his symphonies and their best recordings
Mozart's violin concertos: the best recordings
Julian Haylock sends a couple of false pretenders packing as he searches out the best recordings of Mozart’s violin concertos
Mendelssohn's Piano Trio No. 1 in D minor: a guide to a great chamber work and its best recordings
Jo Talbot celebrates the ‘Mozart of the 19th century’ as she searches out the finest recordings of this masterful work for piano, violin and cello
Albums of the week
A selection of the best reviewed albums from the latest issue of BBC Music Magazine
Audio equipment reviews and advice
A selection of the best reviewed albums from the latest issue of BBC Music Magazine
Hi-res audio: what is it, and what are the best streaming platforms and players for classical music?
BBC Music Magazine's audio expert Chris Haslam guides us through the ins and outs of hi-res audio quality, frequencies and the best streaming platforms to use for high-resolution classical music recordings. Plus, he recommends the desktop and portable hi-res players that are worth your money
DAB vs DAB+: What's the difference between DAB and DAB+?
In the next decade, we will see changes in the radio industry, with many stations moving across from DAB to DAB+. But what actually is the difference between the two – and what do radio listeners need to know in the battle of DAB vs DAB+?
The best office audio equipment: How to upgrade your office audio experience
Improve the quality of your laptop audio and introduce these top-of-the-range pieces of office audio equipment to your working-from-home set-up