Articles
Articles
The Piano TV show: what is it, who are the judges, how to watch
The Piano: all you need to know about the popular Channel 4 TV show featuring talented amateur pianists - including presenter, judges, broadcast dates and more
Zarqa Al Yamama: Sarah Connolly stars as Saudi Arabia stages its very first opera
English mezzo-soprano Sarah Connolly stars in Saudi Arabia's first homegrown opera, which draws on an ancient Arabic tale of warring tribes. Jeremy Pound investigates
Who are the BBC Singers?
You may have heard about this choir, particularly when its existence came under threat. But who exactly are the BBC Singers? How were they founded? Here is all you need to know about this long-standing group of musicians
What are the lyrics for 'London Bridge is falling down'?
Did you know the nursery rhyme 'London Bridge is falling down' dates back to the 17th century? Here are its famous lyrics
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
2024 BBC Proms: full programme of events and concerts
Here is the complete schedule of concerts and events for the 2024 BBC Proms, featuring an enticing array of classical music's best-loved performers
'Bread of Heaven' lyrics ('Guide me, O thou great Redeemer')
Written in the last half of the 18th century, the hymn 'Guide me, o thou great redeemer' is often sung on state and ceremonial occasions, including royal funerals and weddings. Here are its lyrics.
What is a Stradivarius?
Short answer? It's a make of violin... but read on to find out why they are so coveted, and who made them.
'Wayfaring Stranger' lyrics
Here are the lyrics to the gospel song 'Wayfaring Stranger'
'The Lord is my Shepherd': what are the lyrics to the popular hymn?
Here are the lyrics to the ancient hymn 'Lord is my Shepherd', which comes from the 23rd Psalm in the Bible
'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star': what are the lyrics to the much-loved lullaby?
Did you know there are five verses to the lullaby 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star'? No we didn't either... Here are all the lyrics in full
Welsh national anthem: what are the English and Welsh lyrics to 'Land of My Fathers' ('Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau')?
Here are both the Welsh and English lyrics to the Welsh national anthem, 'Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau' ('Land of My Fathers')
What are the lyrics to 'The 12 Days of Christmas' song?
Here are the English lyrics to the famous Christmas song, 'The 12 Days of Christmas'
The best German composers of all time
Germany has produced some of the greatest compositional voices in history – many of whom are considered among the best across the entire globe. Here, in alphabetical order, we present some of the very best
2024's best classical music festivals: Australia and South Africa
Paul Riley picks out some of 2024's best classical music festivals to look out for in Australia and South Africa
2024 best classical music festivals: Middle East, China, Japan and Taiwan
Paul Riley picks out some of the best classical music festivals to look out for in the Middle East, Japan and Taiwan
30 best classical music festivals in Europe for 2024: what's on this year?
It's looking like a busy summer for operas, concerts and music festivals across Europe. Here are some of the very best classical music festivals that you may want to grab tickets for
'Wellerman': why the global TikTok phenomenon isn't actually a sea shanty
Bristol-based sea shanty group The Longest Johns explain why 'Wellerman' isn't technically a sea shanty and why, in fact, only about a third of their repertoire could be classed as shanties
Loch Lomond lyrics: what are the lyrics to the classic Scottish tune?
What is the famous Scottish song about? And what are its famous lyrics? Jeremy Pound explains
27 best classical music festivals in USA and Canada 2024
Paul Riley picks out some of the best classical music festivals to look out for in the USA and Canada
Best classical music quotes: 14 inspiring, original and amusing observations on music
Many inspiring, witty, even provocative things have been said about classical music. Here are some of the best classical music quotes
Best of Mozart: eight essential works
We choose the greatest pieces by Mozart, the legendary travelling composer
48 best UK classical music festivals and summer operas taking place in 2024 - book now!
The summer festival season is back with a vengeance! Here are the very best UK classical music festivals to look out for in 2024
Best classical music to boost your mental health
These are the best pieces of classical music to calm your soul and boost your mental health, as chosen by violinist and conductor Gábor Takács-Nagy