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
'The Skye Boat Song': what are the lyrics to this popular Scottish folk song?
Bonnie Prince Charlie's dramatic escape to the Isle of Skye inspired one of Britain's most famous folk songs, and opening song lines, 'Speed bonnie boat'. Here are song's lyrics in full
15 of the best stage musicals of all time
What are the cornerstones of musical theatre? Where should you begin? Here's 15 of the best musicals to get started!
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.
How many symphonies did Beethoven write?
An introduction to the 19th-century composer Beethoven's great orchestral symphonies - and some other great composers who managed the same tally
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'
'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.
Meet the most fascinating figures from classical music
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
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
The great composers
Explore the lives and works of classical music's finest composers
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
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
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