Sir Stephen Hough, born on 22 November 1961, is widely celebrated as a virtuoso pianist and composer, but he is equally distinguished as a thoughtful and prolific writer. His literary output spans theology, memoirs, fiction, and essays that reflect the

One of the problems with reviewing recordings of sacred music is the underlying fear that the work is being recorded for its musical value rather than its value in the larger realm of sacred belief. It probably happens more with

In her new album, pianist Ivana Gavrić starts with a story of Ravel meeting Grieg in 1894. Grieg stopped Ravel as he was playing his Norwegian Dances and corrected him, declaring that the work had to be played as a

Today, Franz Schubert is one of the most beloved composers of all time, famous for works like Ave Maria, the Trout Quintet, and his “Unfinished Symphony.” But when Schubert died in 1828 at the age of 31, much of his

We talked with pianist Beatrice Nicholas a month ago when she was about to launch into no fewer than 5 different concerts for Black History Month in the UK. Two were full solo recitals; two were joint events, where she

Every November, on the third Thursday of the month, humanity takes a collective pause to celebrate something it has been doing since the dawn of time. UNESCO calls it World Philosophy Day, and it recognises the noble art of wondering

Many people, when they’re trying to focus or study, turn to music to help them concentrate. The right music selection can help you by boosting your mood, lowering your stress, and even improving your mental health. What genre is the

Franz Schubert (1797-1828) lived the quintessential life of an urban bachelor. He rejected the restraints and dependence of family life and found sustenance and camaraderie in a close, but ever-changing circle of friends. Perpetually short of money, he lived with