The Best of British Classical Music

A blog dedicated to the best of British classical music. Featuring news, reviews, interviews, and more.

Introducing the genre

British classical music is a genre that covers a wide range of styles and periods. It includes music written by composers from the United Kingdom, as well as music written in the English language by composers from other countries. There is a rich tradition of British classical music, which has been influenced by a variety of factors.

Defining classical music

Most people have some idea of what classical music is – it’s the music we tend to associate with orchestras, concert halls and, often, a more ‘formal’ occasion. You might be surprised to learn that there is no real agreed definition of what classical music actually is.

In its broadest sense, classical music could be said to encompass any musical tradition that has evolved over a long period of time, generally adhering to certain aesthetics, harmonic and melodic conventions, and – in many cases – instrumentation. This would include various Western art music traditions dating back as far as the Early Middle Ages.

However, when we talk about classical music today, we are generally referring to a specific period in the history of Western art music – roughly from the late Baroque era (around 1600) through to the early Romantic era (around 1850). This period saw the emergence of some of history’s most famous composers, including Johann Sebastian Bach, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Ludwig van Beethoven.

During the classical period itself, various sub-genres emerged, including Haydn and Mozart’s comic operas; Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach’s ‘Empfindsamkeit’ or sensitive style; and Ludwig van Beethoven’s innovative approach which paved the way for the Romantic composers who followed him.

So while there is no one definitive answer to the question ‘what is classical music?’, it is generally accepted that when we talk about classical music today, we are referring to Western art music composed during the late Baroque era through to the early Romantic era.

The history of classical music in Britain

Classical music in Britain spans over a thousand years and has included some of the world’s most famous composers, performers and orchestras. Although it is often seen as a purely European style of music, classical music in Britain has been shaped by its history, geography and people.

The first recordings of classical music in Britain date back to the medieval period, when troubadours and minstrels travelled around the country performing for royalty and the nobility. In the late medieval period, British composers began to develop their own distinctive style of music, which was influenced by both the French and Italian traditions.

The Renaissance period saw a flourishing of British classical music, with composers such as William Byrd and Thomas Tallis writing magnificent works for the churches and cathedrals. The Baroque period was another golden age for British classical music, with composer George Frideric Handel producing some of his greatest works, including ‘Messiah’ and ‘Water Music’.

The Classical era saw a decline in British classical music, as the country became increasingly isolated from Europe during the 18th century. However, this period also saw the beginnings of romanticism in British classical music, with composers such as Samuel Wesley writing beautiful works inspired by nature.

The 19th century was a golden age for British classical music, with composers such as Edward Elgar, Arthur Sullivan and Hubert Parry writing some of their most famous works. This period also saw the rise of nationalist feeling in British classical music, with composers such as Charles Villiers Stanford writing patriotic works celebrating the country’s history and heritage.

The 20th century was a time of great change for British classical music, as composers began to experiment with new styles and genres. Famous British composers from this period include Ralph Vaughan Williams, Gustav Holst and Benjamin Britten. The 21st century has seen a continued flourishing of British classical music, with new composers such as Anna Clyne and Tarik O’Regan making a name for themselves on the international stage.

The best British classical composers

Britain has given the world some of the best classical composers. Many of them are household names, while others are perhaps less well-known but no less talented. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best British composers of all time.

Henry Purcell

Henry Purcell was an English composer. He is considered to be one of the greatest English composers and his works include operas, anthems, and other pieces of church music. His best-known work is probably “Dido and Aeneas”.

George Frideric Handel

George Frideric Handel (1685 – 1759) is one of Britain’s most well-known classical composers. He was born in Germany but moved to London in 1712 and became a British citizen in 1727. His most famous work is the oratorio Messiah, which is still regularly performed today. Other works include the Water Music suites and the Royal Fireworks Music.

Edward Elgar

Edward Elgar was an English composer, many of whose works have entered the British and international classical concert repertoire. Among his best-known compositions are orchestral works including the Enigma Variations, the Pomp and Circumstance Marches, concertos for violin and cello, and two symphonies. He also composed choral works, including The Dream of Gerontius, chamber music and songs. He was appointed Master of the King’s Musick in 1924.

The best British classical musicians

Yehudi Menuhin

Yehudi Menuhin, Baron Menuhin, KBE, OM (22 April 1916 – 12 March 1999), was an American-born violinist who spent most of his performing career in the United Kingdom. He is widely considered one of the greatest violinists of the 20th century. Yehudi Menuhin was born in New York City to a family of Russian-Jewish immigrants, and spent his childhood in San Francisco. He received his first violin instruction from Sigmund Anker at the age of four and made his public debut at age seven. He left school at age fifteen to pursue a career as a professional violinist, making his New York début in 1926 at Carnegie Hall, and later toured Europe and India with Enescu.

Dame Myra Hess

Dame Myra Hess was a British pianist and one of the most celebrated classical musicians of her generation. Born in South Kensington, London, in 1890, Hess began studying piano at the age of six and gave her first public performance at the age of nine. She went on to study at the Royal College of Music with renowned teachers including Tobias Matthay and Frederick Corder, and made her professional debut in 1910.

Hess enjoyed a successful career as a concert pianist, appearing with some of the world’s leading orchestras and performing at many of the most prestigious venues. She was particularly well known for her interpretations of the works of Johann Sebastian Bach and Dmitri Shostakovich. In addition to her concert performances, Hess gave numerous lectures and masterclasses, and served as a jury member for several international piano competitions.

During the Second World War, Hess worked for the British War Office as an Air Raid Precautions warden. She also gave a series of lunchtime concerts at the National Gallery in London, which became known as the “Myra Hess concerts”. These concerts proved hugely popular, with people queueing for hours to get a seat. After the war, Hess continued to perform and teach until her retirement in 1966. She died in London in 1965, aged 74.

Benjamin Britten

British classical music is often thought of as being, well, a bit stuffy. But there are plenty of British composers and musicians who have helped to shape and define classical music as we know it today. From the Renaissance period to the present day, British musicians have made a huge impact on the world of classical music.

One of the most influential British composers of the 20th century is Benjamin Britten. Born in 1913, Britten was a prodigy who composed his first piece of music at the age of just five. He went on to become one of the most celebrated composers of his generation, winning a Grammy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and an Academy Award, among others. His best-known works include the operas Peter Grimes and The Turn of the Screw, as well as the cantata War Requiem.

The best British classical recordings

Brits have long been at the forefront of classical music, with popular composers such as Vaughan Williams, Elgar and Purcell. Britain has also given the world some of the best classical musicians, including violinist Yehudi Menuhin and pianist Murray Perahia. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best British classical recordings.

Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis – Vaughan Williams

This spine-tingling performance by the London Symphony Orchestra and Sir Colin Davis is one of the most beautifully realised recordings of Vaughan Williams’ Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis. It captures the mystical, otherworldly quality of the music perfectly, and the recording has an exceptionally wide and deep soundstage.

The Planets – Holst

This is one of the most popular and well-known pieces of British classical music, and for good reason – it is an incredible work. Conducted by the inimitable Sir Adrian Boult, this is a performance that really brings out the lushness and grandeur of Holst’s music. It is also a recording that has aged very well, with Boult’s conducting sounding as fresh and exciting as it did when it was first released.

The Four Seasons – Vivaldi

The “Four Seasons” is one of classical music’s most popular and well-known works, and for good reason. Antonio Vivaldi’s set of four violin concertos is a masterpiece of the Baroque era, full of energy, beauty, and emotion.

This particular recording, by British violinist Nigel Kennedy and the English Chamber Orchestra, is widely considered to be one of the best. Kennedy’s playing is masterful, and the orchestra provides expert accompaniment. If you’re looking for a great recording of Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons”, this is it.