Paul Riley
Recent articles by Paul Riley
'What can one say about this painted pornography?': Sex, scandal, and the strange story of the Beethoven frieze
In 1902, a temple to Beethoven was built in Vienna, displaying artworks that underlined the composer’s humanity and vulnerability. Paul Riley tells the story of the Beethoven frieze.
Pierrot Portraits
Claire Booth and Ensemble 360 deliver a triumphant gallery of ‘Pierrot Portraits’, says Paul Riley in his review
Prokofiev • C Schumann • R Schumann • Szymanowski: Chamber Works
In this review, Paul Riley enjoys an otherworldly programme from violinist Natalia Lomeiko and pianist Dinara Klinton, a duo with great chemistry
Bach Mass in B minor: a guide to this monumental sacred masterpiece and its best recordings
The sheer variety and craftsmanship of JS Bach’s final choral masterpiece, Mass in B minor, enthral Paul Riley as he chooses the finest recordings
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
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
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
La Nativité du Seigneur: a guide to Messiaen's Christmas organ cycle and its best recordings
In his nine-movement depiction of the birth of Christ, La Nativité du Seigneur, Messiaen produced one of the 20th century’s great organ works, says Paul Riley
End of My Days
A Lionel Tertis Celebration
Take 3 (Patricia Kopatchinskaja)
CPE Bach: The Hamburg Symphonies
Schubert: Die schöne Müllerin
Beethoven: Missa Solemnis
Rachmaninov Reflections
Handel: Messiah
Byrd: Keyboard Works
JS Bach • James MacMillan - Motets etc
Warlock: Maltworms & Milkmaids
Nadine Benjamin, Ben McAteer; BBC Singers; BBC Concert Orchestra/David Hill (EM Records)
Parry: Prometheus Unbound; Blest Pair of Sirens
Festival Chorus; London Mozart Players/William Vann (Chandos)
Stephen Hough - Mirabilis
London Choral Sinfonia/Michael Waldron (Orchid Classics)
Michael Praetorius: composer, organist, theorist, Renaissance man extraordinaire
Best known for a moment of festive perfection, the music of the German composer Michael Praetorius was, explains Paul Riley, shaped by the Lutheran era in which he lived