An illuminating account of the importance of public investment in arts and culture.

Just what exactly is classical music ...and why should it be a part of everyone's life? Who are the big names behind the classical hits ...and which are the best recordings of their music? What are you supposed to wear to a classical concert ...and when on earth are you supposed to applaud? Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Classical Music ...But Were Afraid to Ask answers these questions and much more. In the pages of this book, Darren Henley and Sam Jackson set out to make the classical world not only accessible, but also disarmingly simple and utterly engrossing, as they share their passion for the greatest music ever written. Celebrating 20 years of the world's most successful classical music radio station, this book lifts the lid on the burning questions that Classic FM's listeners have most often asked over the past two decades. Three sections steer you through the terminology and etiquette of classical music, open the fascinating history of the genre and its key figures over the last 1,000 years, and provide a detailed reference guide. Since its transmitters were first switched on in 1992, the team behind Classic FM has believed that classical music can and should be a part of everyone's life, no matter who they are or where they live. So, whether you are a long-time listener or completely new to the genre this book equips you to begin your own personal journey of discovery into the world's greatest music.

Which famous composer could play the piano at the age of 2? - How long did it take Rossini to compose The Barber of Seville? - Why was Elgar depicted on the back of a GBP20 note? Find out all this and more in Classic Ephemera: A Classic FM Musical Miscellany, the irresistible new collection of facts, figures and amusing anecdotes from Darren Henley and Tim Lihoreau. Covering everything from composer biographies to explanations of the ten most famous operas, Classic Ephemera contains everything you need to know about classical music, and more besides. Amusing, light-hearted but always enlightening, Classic Ephemera is the perfect gift for anyone who loves classical music, history or trivia.

The Ultimate Classic FM Hall of Fame celebrates classical music's unique ability to stir the emotions of a listener - whether it's the haunting melodies of Gorecki's Symphony of Sorrowful Songs or Purcell's Dido and Aeneas; the passionately charged opening bars of Beethoven's Symphony No. 5; dramatic operas such as Puccini's La boheme; the moving sounds of Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto No. 2 and Mozart's Clarinet Concerto; beautiful ballet scores from Prokofiev and Tchaikovsky; or blockbuster film soundtracks composed by John Williams and Howard Shore.; This new edition of the Sunday Times bestseller celebrates the twentieth anniversary of the Classic FM Hall of Fame. With a fully updated chart of the nation's 300 favourite works, based on votes cast by millions of listeners over the past twenty years, a revised introduction and beautiful new illustrations, this definitive collection encompasses a rich variety of classical greats, contemporary masters, lesser-known treasures and outstanding British composers to provide a fascinating insight into our relationship with the music we love.; Darren Henley, Sam Jackson and Tim Lihoreau guide us through the world of classical music and the people responsible for creating and performing it. Combining fascinating histories and biographies, recommended recordings and the ranking of the 300 pieces themselves, this book is as relevant to a new listener discovering the joys of classical music as it is to long-time lovers of the genre. The Ultimate Classic FM Hall of Fame is a beautifully illustrated testament to the enduring power of classical music to inspire, entertain, relax and invigorate us.

See the world of classical music in an entirely new light. Using pie charts, Venn diagrams and other clever graphics, the team behind Classic FM represent Britain's most popular classical works, musicians and composers, alongside orchestras, concert etiquette, and much more. Full of amusing insights and unexpected connections, this witty collection will delight music fans and puzzle enthusiasts alike. From Mozart to Wagner, via John Cage and 'Jerusalem', this ingenious and fun collection of graphics gives a surprising twist to your favourite classical pieces.

Where would classical music be without the orchestra? Whether they are of the symphony or chamber variety, every orchestra is made up of a group of musicians playing together as one body to bring the music of the great composers to life. This handy reference guide from Classic FM takes you on a whistle-stop tour of the greatest orchestras at home and abroad, stopping off to explore the world of orchestral instruments, as well as making plenty of musical recommendations along the way. The orchestra is one of the cornerstones of classical music, beloved of music lovers around the world. Packed full of essential information, this pocket-sized handbook explores the make-up and functions of the different sections, from strings to percussion, as well as some of the greatest orchestras around the world and the incredible music that they perform. Classic FM's Handy Guides are a fun and informative set of introductions to standout subjects within classical music, each of which can be read and digested in one sitting: a perfect collectible series whether you're new to the world of classical music or an aficionado.

We live in the age of creativity. It is integral to everything we do. It inspires innovation, improving our environment, our products, our businesses and the quality of our lives. The UK has become a creative nation, renowned throughout the world. This book argues that cultural and creative activities should form a vital part of the everyday lives of young people - that they are academically, physically, socially and emotionally enriching. Encompassing archaeology, architecture and the built environment, archives, craft, dance, design, digital arts, drama and theatre, film and cinemas, galleries, heritage, libraries, literature, live performance, museums, music, poetry and the visual arts, John Sorrell, Paul Roberts and Darren Henley offer a blueprint for a renewed approach to cultural and creative education that will be required reading whether you are a parent, a practitioner, an educator or a policymaker. Far too important to be regarded as entertaining optional extras, creativity and cultural education matter.