Andrew Green
Recent articles by Andrew Green
Conductor Wilhelm Furtwängler: darling of the Nazis or secret opponent?
Wilhelm Furtwängler has long been seen as a symbol of Nazism. But, as Andrew Green explains, the conductor was a strong opponent of the regime
Malcolm Sargent: the glamorous face of classical music, or an arrogant bully?
Sir Malcolm Sargent breathed life into the BBC Proms. Yet for all his fame and fortune, says Andrew Green, the conductor’s personality and music-making heavily divided opinion
Clara Butt: her generation's greatest contralto, or the butt of a cruel joke?
Clara Butt may be remembered chiefly as a cardboard cut-out figure of fun – notorious enough for Disney to lampoon as Clara Cluck. But, says Andrew Green, it's time to readdress her reputation
Dennis Brain: the British virtuoso who brought the sound of the French horn to millions
Dennis Brain inspired a generation of musicians and music fans alike. Andrew Green traces the meteoric rise and tragic end of the French horn virtuoso
Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols: how the beloved Christmas service began in a lowly Cornish barn
Although the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols is today synonymous with King’s College Cambridge, the format originated in Cornwall, as Andrew Green explains
Otto Klemperer: he fled the Nazis, suffered mental illness - and was one of the great conductors
For many, conductor Otto Klemperer will be remembered as the steady and reliable champion of classic repertoire, but in his youth the German was a dashing advocate of the new, writes Andrew Green
Who was the first conductor? When did they start using batons? And do orchestras really need one? A look at the history of conducting
From humble choirmasters inconspicuously beating time to major-league maestros brandishing state-of-the-art batons, the conductor’s role has changed out of all recognition over the centuries. Andrew Green traces its evolution
Musicians of the Titanic: the tragic tale of the doomed ship's musical heroes who played until the end
On the night of 15 April 1912, one of the most heroic performances in history was witnessed, as the musicians of the Titanic carried on playing despite their inevitable fate. Andrew Green tells their story
Cecil Sharp: the man who saved English folksong from oblivion
When Cecil Sharp died 100 years ago, he had collected almost 5,000 English folk tunes. Andrew Green takes a look at his important legacy
Where did God Save the King come from? A guide to the history of the British national anthem
Andrew Green investigates the elusive origin and irresistible rise of Britain’s national anthem, 'God Save The King'
Harmonium history: tracing the evolution, rise and demise of the pump organ
Far from being dusty and dreary, harmoniums, or pump organs, were grand instruments that took their place at the heart of 19th-century French music, says Andrew Green
How August Manns, Crystal Palace's eminent Victorian conductor, brought classical music to new fans
Andrew Green tells how the arrival of a workaholic German conductor at Crystal Palace in 1854 gave classical music in the UK a major boost
Meyerbeer, Giacomo
One of the most fêted composers of his era, Giacomo Meyerbeer also did much to develop opera into the visual spectacle we know today. So why, asks Andrew Green, has his name been relegated to the list of operatic also-rans?
What instruments did Queen Victoria play and own?
Andrew Green explores Queen Victoria's musical treasures
Britain's best music museums: our most famous musical instrument collections
Andrew Green takes us on a tour of some of the UK’s best musical instrument museums and collections
Prince Albert: how music shaped the life and death of Queen Victoria's consort
It’s well known that Queen Victoria’s husband was a champion of the arts, but Prince Albert’s composing talents and his terrific contribution to the musical life of 19th-century Britain remains unsung, explains Andrew Green
William Lloyd Webber: discover Andrew Lloyd Webber's father and his music
His fame may have been eclipsed by his sons Andrew and Julian but William Lloyd Webber is a composer we should celebrate, says Andrew Green