BBC Music November 2019

In this month’s issue, we talk to virtuoso pianist Igor Levit about the challenge of recording all Beethoven’s 32 sonatas, and James Naughtie discusses improvisation, cranial research and politics with Venezuelan composer and pianist Gabriela Montero. We also feature Francis Poulenc as our Composer of the Month.

Andrew Green tells the story of Dennis Brain, revealing how he became the first ever superstar of the French horn. Plus, mezzo-soprano Alice Coote shares the music which changed her life, and Malcolm Hayes delves into the music throughout history that has been inspired by Scotland’s rugged landscapes.


Also this month, we take a look at the best recordings of Pergolesi’s dramatic Stabat Mater in Building a Library, while Erik Levi explores how football gave Shostakovich a means of escapism.

Click the image below to download the inlay for this month's free cover CD.