-
J.R.R. Tolkien: The life and times of the lord of the books
From a sentence born of an exhausting teaching job, J. R. R. Tolkien crafted a series of fantastical novels that, 50 years on from his death, still loom as large in our imagination as Sauron’s all-seeing eye, says Matthew Dennison.
-
Curious Questions: What was the first ever vinyl LP?
Music-lovers who replaced their records with CDs three decades ago can still barely believe vinyl's unlikely resurgence — but the fresh interest in this old medium is still going as the first ever vinyl LP turns 75. Martin Fone charts the history of vinyl long-play records.
-
Who wrote the Christmas Carols we know and love? 11 songs and their stories, from Silent Night to Good King Wenceslas
Many of our best-loved and most moving Christmas carols started life as poems in search of a tune. Andrew Green uncovers the writers whose works were nearly forgotten, yet are now imprinted on the memory.
-
In Focus: The enduring appeal of Andrew Lloyd-Webber's 'The Phantom of the Opera'
Jack Watkins tells the tale of one of the West End's most iconic musicals, and how The Phantom of the Opera evolved from an obscure novel and largely forgotten films to become a global sensation.
-
Who wrote 'God Save The King'? The extraordinary tale of the British national anthem
What are the origins of our national anthem? John Goodall investigates the extraordinary story behind both the tune and the words, as well as their influence on other nations.
-
In Focus: What happens behind the scenes at the Proms
Floods, nerves and piano tuning — Henrietta Bredin goes backstage at the world’s biggest music festival, an epic feat of logistical planning.
-
20 facts about the Queen you probably didn't know
20 facts about Elizabeth II you probably didn't know.
-
Joyce DiDonato: 'Lockdown was the sabbatical I really needed, but would never have given myself'
Singer Joyce DiDonato spoke to Henrietta Bredin about gardening, climate change and using music to propagate a topic.
-
12 best Christmas films to watch with the family
Nothing violent, nothing unpleasant: think drama, comedy, romance, adventure, inspiration and, above all else, schmaltz, says Jonathan Self, as he presents the 12 films you simply must see this Christmas.
-
Mervyn Millar, the genius puppet master behind War House and more: 'When there’s a puppet on stage, it does something different to your engagement with the storytelling'
Three men become one horse; four become one elephant. The life of a puppeteer is full of magic, discovers Katy Birchall, as she speaks to War Horse supremo Mervyn Millar.
-
In Focus: Richard Wagner's five-hour operas — 'Singers are like athletes doing long-distance competitions. You get to the point where you’ve reached your physical limits'
Wagner’s stamina-testing operas inspire both passion and dread and the adjective Wagnerian is associated with scale and intensity. Henrietta Bredin acts as a guide for the nervous.
-
Scotland on film, from Harry Potter and Trainspotting, to its surprise stand-in role as London, New York and San Francisco
The brooding horizons, misty glens and dramatic castles of Scotland make it a mecca for film crews shooting anything from historical dramas to Bond films and sci-fi adventures, finds Daniel Pembrey.
-
In Focus: The cello's incredible range, 'the whole way from bass to soprano, very rich and mellow', set to star at the Proms 2021
The four great cello concertos will feature in the same Proms season for the first time in history. Pippa Cuckson discovers why this mellow instrument evokes such emotion.
-
With love from Father Christmas: J.R.R. Tolkien's enchanting Christmas letters to his children
For nearly a quarter of a century, J. R. R. Tolkien sent his children elaborate letters and pictures from the North Pole. Ben Lerwill explores the penmanship, kindness and magic that went into Letters From Father Christmas.
-
Curious Questions: How did 'God Save The Queen' become Britain's National Anthem?
As patriotic songs come under the spotlight, Martin Fone takes a look at national anthems across the world.
-
In Focus: How the violin virtuoso Nicola Benedetti is changing the way we teach music
The violinist Nicola Benedetti speaks to Claire Jackson about virtual teaching, playing Elgar and lobbying the government.
-
In Focus: Music in a time of Covid-19, from drive-in operas to the 'Spotify of classical'
Classical music has been hit hard by coronavirus, but there are all manner of ways for musicians and music lovers to continue to enjoy it.
