Steve Wright
Recent articles by Steve Wright
All seven Sibelius symphonies, ranked
From the lush, emotional heights of the Second to the seamless, mystical flow of the Seventh, Sibelius's seven symphonies trace a musical journey unlike anything else in the classical repertoire. We try the impossible - and rank these seven emotive masterpieces
Denounced by Stalin, afraid for his life: 13 captivating facts from Shostakovich's turbulent life
Dmitri Shostakovich led one of the most complex, turbulent and ultimately heroic lives in all of classical music. Here are 13 fascinating facts about this iconic composer
The 15 most musical monarchs in history
Throughout history, monarchs have shaped music as passionate patrons, performers, and composers. Here are 15 memorably musical monarchs
This cat has some serious piano chops
You've seen videos of cats 'playing' the piano before. We'll bet you haven't seen anyone quite like Nora, however
For every Beethoven, there’s a Farrenc: 12 hidden composers you’ll love
Can't get enough Beethoven? Hungry for more of Chopin's sound world? Try these lesser known composers who will give you the same feel as the greats
Bach to Black Sabbath: the deep connections between classical music and heavy metal
Classical music and heavy metal share a deep connection, from intricate compositions to virtuosic playing. We explore the fascinating musical ties between these two seemingly opposing genres
Leonard Bernstein was an icon. He was also being watched by the FBI
Leonard Bernstein was a huge and colourful figure in 20th century American culture. The FBI kept a close watch on him, too
Beethoven piano sonatas: six of the best cycles
We name some of the best recordings of Beethoven's sonatas, peformed by the great and the good of the piano world
Best of Aaron Copland: 11 essential works from the voice of American classical music
Aaron Copland crafted a sound that evokes America's wide open spaces and pioneering spirit. Here are 11 of his very greatest works
All seven Tchaikovsky symphonies ranked, from worst to best
From the youthful, evocative 'Winter Daydreams' to the gut-punch of the 'Pathétique', Tchaikovsky wrote some of the most dramatic, melodic and emotional symphonies in the canon. We've ranked them
Camille Saint-Saëns: virtuoso composer who bridged tradition and innovation
The polymath composer who suffered spectacular fall from grace
Meet Felix Klieser, the inspirational musician born with no arms
Horn player Felix Klieser was born without arms. His journey to the top of his profession is nothing short of inspirational
Watch as this beautiful cat steals the spotlight at classical concert
In Istanbul, the City of Cats, this beautiful feline gets a warm welcome as she mingles with the orchestra during a classical concert
These 9 films of classical music icons as children are truly inspiring
Discover the remarkable origins of some of classical music's greatest artists through these fascinating video clips of their childhood performances
Tchaikovsky: the great Romantic whose tragic life found expression in heart-rending music
Tchaikovsky: a great Russian, a great Romantic - and a master of the lament
Here's what happens when you play Debussy's 'Clair de lune' to a baby
This baby's reaction to his father playing Debussy and Chopin on the piano will give you a warm glow for the rest of the day
This kitten's reaction to the violin is just too cute
Watch Esther Abrami playing the violin to her kitten - and the frankly adorable response from the musical feline
'Fields of Athenry' lyrics
The Fields of Athenry, with its emotional storyline and vivid evocations of the landscapes of western Ireland, is one of the best loved Irish folk songs. Here are the lyrics
This is now the most expensive violin in history
For some 12 years, the position of world's most expensive violin was occupied by a famous Guarneri violin from 1741. Now that's all changed - and Stradivarius is back at the top
Here are 11 very cute pictures of great musicians and their beloved pets
There's a long and frankly very cute story to be told about the strong bonds forged between musicians and their pets. Here are some of the most life-affirming musician-pet combos
'A war cry set to music': 11 classical works so intense they could power a thriller movie
Chilling orchestral crescendos, stormy symphonic movements: here are 11 classical masterpieces brimming with drama, urgency and adrenaline
Easy piano songs: ten simple, rewarding melodies piano newbies can master
Here are some of the easiest songs to learn on the piano. How many can you play?
Listening room inspiration: how you can create the ultimate music sanctuary at home
Easy chair, hi-fi, vinyl displays: here's how to furnish your own listening paradise
Ten of the best works by black female composers
Professor Nathan Holder, author of the illustrated children's book, Where Are All The Black Female Composers, cherry picks ten great works by black female composers