BBC Music Magazine - February 2025

In this issue

The Four Seasons - Now 300 years old, Vivaldi’s much-loved concertos took a while to become popular.

Puppet of the Reich? - Derided for his Nazi associations, conductor Wilhelm Furtwängler was not all he seemed, says Andrew Green.

The Awards are upon us once more!

Time to vote for the best recordings of the last 12 months

3 mins

The censors' refusal to play ball drives Verdi to despair

In the early months of 1857, Verdi had Shakespeare on his mind, and specifically King Lear.

2 mins

A glittering beacon

Until its destruction in the fire of 1936, the Crystal Palace was one of the world's most exciting music venues, and its legacy still lives on today, writes Tom Service.

2 mins

THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN Pick a theme... and name your seven favourite examples

Conductor Domingo Hindoyan nominates the best musical depictions of anger and frustration

3 mins

Late Bloomer

Three hundred years ago, Antonio Vivaldi published The Four Seasons. But despite the work's spectacular popularity today, it was not until the 20th century that it really discovered its true audience, writes Nicholas Kenyon

10 mins

"The first time I was shown how to play Bach on the harpsichord, it gave me goosebumps

As Bach Collegium Japan celebrates its 35th anniversary, its legendary music director speaks to Amanda Holloway about a lifetime devoted to the great Baroque composer

7 mins

Puppet of the Reich?

Wilhelm Furtwängler has long been seen as a symbol of Nazism. But, as Andrew Green explains, the conductor was a strong opponent of the regime

8 mins

11 Bed-Hopping Composers

Jeremy Pound lifts the covers off those notorious notesmiths who found the thrill of playing away simply too hard to resist

6 mins

A way with words

Great operas are inextricably linked with their composer but, asks Jessica Duchen, how often do we acknowledge the important role of the librettist?

7 mins

Kindred spirits

As their second opera takes to the stage, composer Gregory Spears and librettist Tracy K Smith talk to Charlotte Smith about their special partnership

7 mins

LEADING FROM THE FRONT

From running efficient rehearsals to learning to speak to orchestras with clarity and empathy, an array of exciting courses for conductors has bloomed in recent years, finds Clare Stevens

6 mins

Atlanta US

Though well known for its world-class orchestra, Georgia's leafy state capital also boasts a thriving opera scene, as Michael Beek discovers

3 mins

Christoph Willibald Gluck

Paul Riley traces the wandering existence of a cosmopolitan composer who made it his life's work and ambition to rip up opera's rulebook

7 mins

Ludwig van Beethoven

Terry Williams explores the best recordings of a symphony that shows the perky sense of humour lurking within its curmudgeonly composer

4 mins

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BBC Music Magazine Description:

BBC Music Magazine is a monthly classical music magazine published by Immediate Media Company. It was first published in 1992 and is the best-selling classical music magazine in the world.

The magazine covers all aspects of classical music, from news and reviews to features and interviews. It also features exclusive content from the BBC Proms and other BBC classical music events.

BBC Music Magazine is a popular read for many classical music lovers, and is known for its in-depth coverage and expert analysis. It has helped many classical music lovers discover new music and learn more about the genre.

Here are some of the things you can expect from BBC Music Magazine:

* News and reviews of classical music
* Features on classical music composers, performers, and conductors
* Interviews with classical music figures
* Exclusive content from the BBC Proms and other BBC classical music events

If you're looking for a magazine that will help you stay up-to-date on the latest classical music news and trends, then BBC Music Magazine is a good choice. Subscribe today and start exploring the world of classical music!