BBC Music January 2026

Our big interview this month is the venerable Steve Reich. As he approaches 90, the great US composer shares his thoughts exclusively with Tom Service, including his pride in playing an important part in bringing tonality and pulse back to music.

Elsewhere this issue, we are full of questions. Such as: what goes on in a pianist’s brain as they play?Pianist Nicolas Namoradze is allowing audiences to peek into the depths of his brain as he performs; Claire Jackson looks at the fascinating findings that have emerged.