History of the violin: its invention, evolution and famous Italian violin makers
Its appearance and sound is oh-so familiar, but what’s the story behind the violin? Here’s some background to this most sweet and noble of musical instruments.
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'
Hardest instruments to learn: ten most challenging musical instruments
Our round up of the hardest instruments to play and learn - do you agreee?
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'
25 best British composers of all time
We asked 167 top international musicians to vote for the best British composers of all time. Here are the results… Do you agree - and who was voted number one?
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
Jeneba Kanneh-Mason signs for Sony Classical
The talented young pianist Jeneba Kanneh-Mason, sister of Sheku, Isata and Braimah, will record a debut featuring Chopin, Debussy and more
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
Meet the most fascinating figures from classical music
Jakub Józef Orliński: the breakdancing countertenor and cover model who has graced the world's biggest opera stages
Star countertenor, breakdancer and model Jakub Józef Orliński enjoys a challenge – and he’s now applying his boundless commitment and energy to the role of artistic director on his new recording of Gluck’s Orfeo, as he tells Rebecca Franks
Conductor Sir Andrew Davis (1944-2024)
The conductor Sir Andrew Davis was perhaps best known for his recordings of English composers Elgar and Vaughan Williams - but there was also one very memorable Proms performance
BBC Music Magazine's Rising Stars 2024: The rising stars of classical music
The rising star classical musicians at the start of their career whose work and performances we're championing
The great composers
Explore the lives and works of classical music's finest composers
When was Beethoven's funeral and how many people attended?
The story of thousands gathering in Vienna for Beethoven’s final farewell
How did Beethoven cope with going deaf?
The great composer was able to deal with his deafness thanks to a unique hearing machine he had fitted to his piano
The greatest opera composers of all time
Here are the best opera composers of all time, from the 16th century to the modern day
Karl Jenkins on the commercial that made him a global hit, being underestimated by the music industry and why he has no plans to retire
Welsh composer Karl Jenkins speaks to Amanda Holloway about creating an emotional connection with his many millions of fans across the globe
Greatest Recordings
Our recommendations of essential additions to your listening library
Mendelssohn's Piano Trio No. 1 in D minor: a guide to a great chamber work and its best recordings
Jo Talbot celebrates the ‘Mozart of the 19th century’ as she searches out the finest recordings of this masterful work for piano, violin and cello
Ryuichi Sakamoto: the best recordings
We rank the essential albums of Ryuichi Sakamoto, the pioneering film composer, electronic artist and solo performer
Six of the best landmark jazz recordings
Jazz has undergone many changes of style over the last century, not least with the arrival of rock music. Neil McKim picks out some pivotal concerts
Five of the best albums by jazz pianist Dave Brubeck
Dave Brubeck's rhythmic and tonal free-wheeling helped him become the epitome of 1950s and ’60s cool. We name his best recordings on disc
Albums of the week
A selection of the best reviewed albums from the latest issue of BBC Music Magazine
Audio equipment reviews and advice
A selection of the best reviewed albums from the latest issue of BBC Music Magazine
DAB vs DAB+: What's the difference between DAB and DAB+?
In the next decade, we will see changes in the radio industry, with many stations moving across from DAB to DAB+. But what actually is the difference between the two – and what do radio listeners need to know in the battle of DAB vs DAB+?
The best office audio equipment: How to upgrade your office audio experience
Improve the quality of your laptop audio and introduce these top-of-the-range pieces of office audio equipment to your working-from-home set-up
Best portable speakers for enjoying your music indoors and outdoors
Our audio expert Chris Haslam chooses the best portable speakers for enjoying your music inside the home and in the great outdoors