Is there a link between mental illness and creativity? Top psychologists have their say
The cliché of the ‘mad genius’ has long perpetuated the idea that creativity and mental illness are linked. But, asks Rebecca Franks, how true is that notion?
Classical music can calm our anxiety. Here’s the science behind it
The music that calms us can be deeply personal, writes Claire Jackson, yet certain universal elements are scientifically proven to ease stress
Struggling to sleep? Try these 11 dreamlike melodies
We guide you through the pieces of music that will help relax the mind, calm the nerves and send you off to sleep
Five things to know before buying an acoustic guitar
Let us help find the best acoustic guitar for you
'Be young all your life': 15 musicians who played on into their 90s
For some performers and composers, the notion of retiring at 90 has been simply out of the question, as Terry Blain explains
This adorable toddler can name any classical work within seconds
In this clip, three-year-old Vincent Billington can identify great classical works in seconds. And he's not falling for his dad's efforts at misdirection
Choose your favourite Neil Young album
As Neil Young prepares to headline Glastonbury Festival 2025, here's your chance to pick his greatest album in our interactive poll
Here are 10 reasons you should NEVER marry a musician
Free concert tickets and a home filled with the joys of music might seem tempting now, but you could live to regret it...!
Glastonbury’s secret past: when classical music ruled the festival fields
Forget the tents, mud and rock acts. Over a century ago, the Somerset town of Glastonbury was host to a music festival of a very different kind
Bust these 10 myths to unlock the sublime world of classical music
Many find classical music intimidating due to its history, complexity, or formal settings, but these fears stem from myths. In reality, it’s for everyone—emotional, thrilling, and accessible. Here are 10 common misconceptions debunked
Meet the most fascinating figures from classical music
These 11 musical mavericks followed absolutely none of the rules
From Satie to Sun Ra, we salute 11 musicians who defiantly did things their own way - and left music incalculably the richer for it
Alfred Brendel, pianist: 1931-2025
The acclaimed pianist has died at the age of 94. Claire Jackson remembers a remarkable musician, writer and thinker
Remembering the great pianist Alfred Brendel, who has died aged 94
The renowned pianist Alfred Brendel died at the age of 94 on 17 June. Here, we publish one of his final interviews, in which he recalls performing with legendary baritone, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau
The great composers
Explore the lives and works of classical music's finest composers
‘What a giftless bastard!': when composers tear into each other
Sparks fly and verbal venom is spat, as John Evans explores the great names who simply loved to take potshots at each other
Vivaldi’s British Invasion: How the Red Priest conquered a country he never even saw
Vivaldi never crossed the English Channel. But rich clients and the postal service ensured his popularity far from home
German composers: the 21 greatest of all time, ranked (and where to start with each)
Germany has produced some of the greatest compositional voices in history – many of whom are considered among the best across the entire globe. Here are some of the very best - and a musical gateway into each one
Synaesthesia: these eight composers saw sound in vivid colours
From Scriabin to Sibelius, here are eight composers who claimed to see music as colour
Greatest Recordings
Our recommendations of essential additions to your listening library
The 1970s were the LP's golden era. Here's the greatest album from each '70s year
From glam to punk, prog to soul, the 1970s defined the album era—here are the decade’s standout releases, year by year.
Alfred Brendel: these seven stellar recordings will stand as the pianist's great legacy
We salute the late, great pianist Alfred Brendel by picking out seven outstanding recordings from his impressive discography
Adventures at the edge of music: ranking the King Crimson albums
From that explosive, visionary debut onwards, King Crimson have constantly pushed at the boundaries of prog, jazz and hard rock. We assess their wildly inventive back catalogue
RIP, Brian Wilson. Here are the Beach Boys' 21 greatest songs, ranked
To mark the passing of their creative powerhouse Brian Wilson, here are the 21 greatest Beach Boys songs of all time
Albums of the week
A selection of the best reviewed albums from the latest issue of BBC Music Magazine
Review: Purcell – Complete Suites and Other Music for Keyboard
In her review, Kate Bolton-Porciatti believes pianist Cristian Sandrin has set the bar with his thrilling modern take on Purcell keyboard gems
Review: Moonlight Variations (Pablo Ferrández)
Cellist Pablo Ferrández serves up an appetising menu of works, perfectly played and curated, says Jo Talbot in her review
Review: For Dieter... (Benjamin Appl)
Benjamin Appl’s heartfelt and imaginative album homage to Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau is cherishable, says Natasha Loges in her review
Audio equipment reviews and advice
A selection of the best reviewed albums from the latest issue of BBC Music Magazine
The best desktop speakers 2025: turn your home office into a listening paradise
Here are the best luxury headphones on the market right now
Our audio expert Chris Haslam tests options for luxurious listening in private
Affordable noise-cancelling headphones: the best on the market in 2025
Our expert Chris Haslam gives advice on buying the latest hi-fi equipment. This month... affordable noise-cancelling headphones