BBC Classical Music Magazine: The Best of Classical Music
Contents
The BBC Classical Music Magazine is the preeminent source for all things classical music. From the latest news and reviews to interviews and features, the BBC Classical Music Magazine is the go-to source for anyone and everyone interested in the genre.
Introduction
BBC Classical Music Magazine is the world’s best-selling classical music magazine. Every month, we bring you the latest news, reviews, interviews and features from the world of classical music. We also have the biggest and best classical music CD reviews section, with more than 1,000 CDs reviewed every month.
What is classical music?
Classical music is a broad term that usually refers to Western musical traditions from the middle ages up through the 2000s. It includes everything from Gregorian chants and Renaissance madrigals to symphonies, concertos, and operas. Many people consider classical music to be synonymous with orchestral music, but it can also refer to music for solo instruments, chamber ensembles, or even electronic compositions.
The history of classical music
Classical music is a broad term that usually refers to Western musical traditions from the Middle Ages through the 2000s. It covers everything from Gregorian chants and Renaissance madrigals to Beethoven symphonies and Mahler operas. Although classical music encompasses such a wide range of styles and genres, it’s often unified by certain elements, like intricate melodies, counterpoint, and complex harmonies.
The earliest examples of classical music date back to medieval Europe, when troubadours and minstrels performed songs that told stories or conveyed messages. Around the same time, composers began writing liturgical music, or religious pieces meant for churches. These early classical compositions were mostly vocal works; it wasn’t until the 1400s that instrumental pieces started becoming more common.
One of the most important figures in early classical music was Josquin des Prez, a Franco-Flemish composer who wrote some of the first polyphonic works (pieces with multiple independent melodies). The development of polyphony paved the way for some of the most famous classical composers, like Johann Sebastian Bach, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Ludwig van Beethoven.
During the Romantic era in the late 1700s and early 1800s, composers began writing longer, emotionally expressive pieces. Classical music continued to evolve in the 20th century as composers like Arnold Schoenberg experimented with atonality (lack of tonality, or key). In recent years, some performers and composers have begun mixing classical music with other genres like pop and jazz—a practice known as “crossover.”
The best classical music of all time
It is hard to make a definitive list of the best classical music of all time, but this list compiled by the BBC Classical Music Magazine is a great starting point. The list includes both well-known pieces and hidden gems, and is sure to please any classical music lover.
The best classical composers
There are countless great classical composers, but who are the best of the best? Here are 10 of the most renowned, influential and significant classical composers in history.
1. Johann Sebastian Bach
2. Ludwig van Beethoven
3. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
4. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
5. George Frideric Handel
6. Johannes Brahms
7. Felix Mendelssohn
8. Antonio Vivaldi
9. Hector Berlioz
10. Richard Wagner
The best classical pieces
Since most of us are not professional classical music critics, it can be hard to know where to start when trying to actively listen to and appreciate classical music. This is a genre of music that often gets intimidatingly labelled as “old” or “complicated”, when in reality, it can be beautiful, moving and enjoyed by anyone regardless of prior knowledge.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or just getting started, join us as we countdown the best classical pieces of all time according to BBC Classical Music Magazine.
The best classical music of the 21st century
If you’re looking for the best classical music of the 21st century, you won’t be disappointed with BBC Classical Music Magazine. This magazine contains the best classical music reviews, interviews, and articles from the past year.
The best contemporary classical composers
In the 21st century, we’ve been spoilt for choice when it comes to great classical music. We asked the BBC Music Magazine critics to vote for the best contemporary classical composers of the 21st century – and here’s who made it into our 50 greatest.
1. George Benjamin
2. Thomas Adès
3. Harrison Birtwistle
4. Marco Stroppa
5. Kaija Saariaho
6. Gerald Barry
7. Simon Holt
8. Rebecca Saunders
9. Julian Anderson
10. Oliver Knussen
The best contemporary classical pieces
There has been an incredible wealth of classical music composed in the 21st century, and it can be hard to know where to start. Luckily, the team at BBC Classical Music Magazine has compiled a list of the best contemporary classical pieces, so you can delve into this exciting world of music with confidence.
The list includes works by some of the most celebrated contemporary composers, including Thomas Adès, Steve Reich, and Kaija Saariaho. There are also pieces that are sure to challenge and surprise you, such as Chaya Czernowin’s ‘Heart Chamber’, which is based on the sound of her own heartbeat.
Whatever your taste in music, you’re sure to find something on this list that you’ll love. So why not explore some of the best contemporary classical pieces around today?
Conclusion
We hope you have enjoyed our pick of the best classical music from across the centuries. There are, of course, many other great pieces of music out there, so please do explore further and let us know your own favourites!
