The Best of Classical Music on BBC
Contents
Experience the best of classical music with the BBC. From Bach to Beethoven, we’ve got it all!
Introduction
Music has always been an important part of my life. I grew up listening to all kinds of music, but my favorite has always been classical. I remember spending hours listening to Bach and Beethoven when I was younger, and it was always so peaceful and calming. Recently, I came across a BBC article that had a list of the best classical pieces of all time, and I was so excited to see some of my favorites on there.
What is classical music?
Most people have an idea of what classical music is – it’s the music we tend to associate with conveyed images of stuffy concert halls, grand old performers in evening dress, or perhaps ye olde English country manors. It’s the kind of music that your grandparents might have listened to, or that you might hear at a wedding.
But what exactly is classical music? Well, there is no one answer to this question, as the term ‘classical music’ covers a huge range of different styles and eras. But broadly speaking, we can say that classical music is any type of Western art music which has been written down (or ‘notated’) using the methods developed during the so-called ‘common practice period’.
This period lasted from around 1600 to 1900, and saw the development and codification of many of the core principles which still underpin classical music today – including tonality (the system of major and minor keys), harmony (the way chords are put together), and musical form (the structure of a piece of music). Many of the greatest composers of all time – including Bach, Beethoven, Chopin and Brahms – wrote their works during this period.
But although classical music might have its roots in this earlier era, it is still very much a living tradition which continues to evolve even today. So whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned pro, there’s always something new to discover in the world of classical music!
The history of classical music
Classical music is art music produced or rooted in the traditions of Western culture, including both liturgical (religious) and secular music. While a more precise term is also used to refer to the period from 1750 to 1820 (the Classical period), this article is about the broad span of time from before the 6th century AD to the present day, which includes the Classical period and various other periods. The central norms of this tradition became codified between 1550 and 1900, which is known as the common-practice period.
The Best of Classical Music on BBC
The BBC has a wide range of classical music available to listen to online. You can find everything from Bach to Beethoven, and from Mozart to Mahler. There is also a wide range of contemporary classical music to choose from. You can filter the music by era, composer, or performer, and you can even create your own playlist.
BBC Proms
The BBC Proms is an eight-week summer season of daily orchestral classical music concerts and other events held annually, predominantly in the Royal Albert Hall in London. Founded in 1895, inspired by the State Music Festival in Bayreuth, Germany.
BBC Young Musician
Since 1978, BBC Young Musician has been an international platform for young classical musicians to perform and be recognized. Every two years, the BBC holds a competition to find the best young musician in the United Kingdom. The winner is decided by a panel of judges and goes on to perform at the BBC Proms, one of the most prestigious classical music festivals in the world.
BBC Young Musician is open to young musicians aged between 12 and 18 who are resident in the UK. To enter, they must first compete in one of five Instrumental Categories: Strings, Woodwind, Brass, Percussion or Keyboard. They can then go on to compete in one of three further stages: Regional Final, Category Final or Grand Final.
The Regional Finals take place across the country and each contestant performs a piece of their own choice that must not exceed eight minutes in length. The Category Finals take place in London and each contestant performs a concerto or similar work with an orchestra. The Grand Final is broadcast live on BBC television and radio and features all finalists performing a core work chosen by the jury.
BBC Young Musician provides an important opportunity for young classical musicians to reach a wide audience and develop their careers. It also helps to raise awareness of classical music amongst young people and inspire them to take up an instrument themselves.
BBC Music Magazine
BBC Music Magazine is published by Immediate Media Company. It has been in existence since 1992 and covers all genres of classical music. The magazine has a number of regular features, including news, interviews, previews, reviews and competitions. It also includes CD and DVD reviews, and a free CD is included with each issue.
Conclusion
The benefits of listening to classical music
Classical music has been proven to have a positive effect on the brain. Studies have shown that listening to classical music can help to improve memory, concentration and focus. It can also reduce stress and anxiety levels, and help to promote a sense of calm and relaxation.
Listening to classical music can also be a great way to unwind after a long day, or to relax and de-stress before bedtime. If you find yourself struggling to drift off to sleep at night, try playing some soft, classical music in the background – it could make all the difference!
