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In celebration of his 80th birthday, this four-disc deluxe box set spans more than five decades of Michael Tilson Thomas’ compositional career. In celebration of his 80th birthday, this four-disc deluxe box set spans more than five decades of Michael Tilson Thomas’ compositional career. In celebration of his 80th birthday, this four-disc deluxe box set spans The collection features 18 works (from premiere recordings to remastered archival recordings available for the first time) and an extensive booklet containing composer’s notes, original essays, and a timeline of archival photos chronicling his life. and a timeline of archival photos chronicling his life. Discover more: All proceeds from GRACE: The Music of Michael Tilson Thomas will be donated to brain cancer research at UCSF Brain Tumor Center. www.pentatonemusic.com Distributed in the UK by in the UK by
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EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES Te l : +44 (0)117 300 8752 Email: music@classica l-music.com Post: The editor, BBC Music Magazine, Eagle House, Bristol BS1 4ST SUBSCRIPTIONS & BACK ISSUES Te l : 03330 162 118 Web: buysubscriptions.com/contactus Post: BBC Music Magazine, PO Box 3320, 3 Queensbridge, Northampton Follow us on Twitter @musicmagazine Like us on Facebook facebook.com/ classicalmagazine Find us online classical-music.com Subscribe to our podcast Subscribe today to BBC Music Magazine Save money on newsstand prices! See p10 for our fanta st ic of fe r We l c om e What’s the difference between P ucc i n i ’s To s c a and Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Carousel ? Less than you might think, according to conductor John Wilson, who two-stepped away with the Opera prize for his recording of Oklahoma! at this year’s BBC Music Magazine Awards. In fact, says Wilson, 20th-century stage musicals, from Bernstein’s West Side Story to Loewe’s My Fair Lady, are as musically sophisticated as any popular opera of the previous century – works with equally singable melodies and similarly widespread appeal. The argument becomes stronger still when you start delving into the origins of musicals. Yes, they’re sung in the vernacular – often with wonderfully astute lyrics – but their best composers almost invariably come from a classical background. On page 24, James Inverne investigates the relationship between so-called ‘high art ’ operas and ‘ low art ’ musicals. And though the connection might seem to falter when considering today’s pop-inspired shows, such as the ABBA-tastic Mamma Mia!, it turns out that the jukebox musical also has historical precedent. From musicals to… Anton Bruckner, who this year celebrates his 200th anniversary. On page 38, Stephen Johnson makes a personal case for the obsessive, troubled and deeply divisive composer. An article for those who love Bruckner – and for those who don’t! Charlotte Smith Editor THIS MONTH’S CONTRIBUTORS James Inverne Journalist, playwright & author ‘As someone who grew up with both Il trovatore and Les Misérables, and didn’t see all that much dif ference between them, I’m fascinated by the symbiotic relationship of musicals and opera. So diving into that subject is a delight!’ Page 24 Stephen Johnson Writer and composer ‘At several sticky points Bruckner has reminded me to be patient and listen out for something deeper than dread and despair. I realise that I don’t just love and admire him – there’s also profound personal gratitude.’ Page 38 Jessica Duchen Journalist, librettist & author ‘It’s easy to think that music written by women has finally achieved due prominence in the past decade, with increased awareness. But is the change more than skin deep? I’ve been tr ying to find out...’ Page 46 BBC MUSIC MAGAZINE 3

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EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES Te l : +44 (0)117 300 8752 Email: music@classica l-music.com Post: The editor, BBC Music Magazine, Eagle House, Bristol BS1 4ST

SUBSCRIPTIONS & BACK ISSUES Te l : 03330 162 118 Web: buysubscriptions.com/contactus Post: BBC Music Magazine, PO Box 3320, 3 Queensbridge, Northampton

Follow us on Twitter @musicmagazine

Like us on Facebook facebook.com/ classicalmagazine

Find us online classical-music.com

Subscribe to our podcast

Subscribe today to BBC Music Magazine Save money on newsstand prices!

See p10 for our fanta st ic of fe r

We l c om e

What’s the difference between P ucc i n i ’s To s c a and Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Carousel ? Less than you might think, according to conductor John Wilson, who two-stepped away with the Opera prize for his recording of Oklahoma! at this year’s BBC Music Magazine Awards. In fact, says Wilson, 20th-century stage musicals, from Bernstein’s West Side Story to Loewe’s My Fair Lady, are as musically sophisticated as any popular opera of the previous century – works with equally singable melodies and similarly widespread appeal.

The argument becomes stronger still when you start delving into the origins of musicals. Yes, they’re sung in the vernacular – often with wonderfully astute lyrics – but their best composers almost invariably come from a classical background. On page 24, James Inverne investigates the relationship between so-called ‘high art ’ operas and ‘ low art ’ musicals. And though the connection might seem to falter when considering today’s pop-inspired shows, such as the ABBA-tastic Mamma Mia!, it turns out that the jukebox musical also has historical precedent.

From musicals to… Anton Bruckner, who this year celebrates his 200th anniversary. On page 38, Stephen Johnson makes a personal case for the obsessive, troubled and deeply divisive composer. An article for those who love Bruckner – and for those who don’t!

Charlotte Smith Editor

THIS MONTH’S CONTRIBUTORS

James Inverne Journalist, playwright & author ‘As someone who grew up with both Il trovatore and Les Misérables, and didn’t see all that much dif ference between them, I’m fascinated by the symbiotic relationship of musicals and opera. So diving into that subject is a delight!’ Page 24

Stephen Johnson Writer and composer ‘At several sticky points Bruckner has reminded me to be patient and listen out for something deeper than dread and despair. I realise that I don’t just love and admire him – there’s also profound personal gratitude.’ Page 38

Jessica Duchen Journalist, librettist & author ‘It’s easy to think that music written by women has finally achieved due prominence in the past decade, with increased awareness. But is the change more than skin deep? I’ve been tr ying to find out...’ Page 46

BBC MUSIC MAGAZINE 3

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