Scott joplin (1868-1917)

Franz Schubert’s Moments Musicaux Op 94 are as captivating and expressive as any of his works, and a good deal more accessible to intermediate players than many. Although published in 1828, Schubert h

Improvisation. For many pianists, the very word can feel intimidating. We see a jazz player fly across the keys and assume they are simply making it up. But improvisation is not a random act. It is ro

Music cannot work a magic spell. It can, however, do wonderful things. In recent issues of BBC Music Magazine, we have explored the benefits to mental health of listening and playing music, not least

Is there a special sorcery in Seoul? Cunning creativity in Canada? Preternatural pizzazz in Paris? Oh, why do so many great pianists come from this or that country? We even have some in Britain; is th

Jan Smaczny is enthralled by Isabelle Faust’s unique approach to the demanding material of Bach’s little-known violin works JS Bach Sonatas for Violin and Continuo Isabelle Faust (violin); Kristin von

The dance is the ‘vertical expression of horizontal desire’ and Johann Strauss II, whose bicentenary it is this year, was the composer most responsible for its explosion in popularity. Henrietta Bredin reports