After several years of not reading it, I have recently returned to the BBC Music Magazine, which has become one of my preferred reads on Apple News. My daughter’s interest in composers like Beethoven, alongside pieces featured in Baby Einstein, has renewed my appreciation for classical music. As an Apple subscriber (and to clarify, we are not compensated by Apple in any way), I rediscovered the BBC Music Magazine and found it a valuable resource.
My Brief History with the Magazine
Like many, I enjoy music but often seek out new sounds. I find it challenging to listen to one artist or genre for an extended period of time. A friend in college shared a similar perspective and introduced me to various recordings. This exploration led me to the BBC Music Magazine, which included a CD with each print issue. This format allowed me to listen to the music while learning about the pieces and artists.
As a history major, I particularly enjoyed matching the music from the magazine with the period I studied. In other words, I would soundtrack my reading. I still do this.
A Long Time Away
Over the years, I have maintained an interest in classical music, but I hadn’t engaged deeply until a few months ago. Around the same time, I acquired an iPad, and my most frequently used apps became Apple Classical, Apple News, and Kindle. While I have always enjoyed reading about classical and jazz music, the BBC Music Magazine provided a fresh perspective on the classical pieces I was listening to.
We recently did a cruise, so I downloaded about 10 issues of the BBC Music Magazine. I read almost all 10 issues on our seven-day voyage.
What I Like About the BBC Music Magazine
One aspect of the BBC Music Magazine that stands out is its accessibility. It caters to beginners, making it suitable for those new to classical music. However, even experienced listeners can find informative articles, reviews, and interviews in each issue. The magazine avoids talking down to its readers, which is beneficial for fostering interest in classical music. This last part is really important.
We are living in a time when funding for the Arts, at least in this country, is in danger. Some things are more important than the bottom line, such as our cultural heritage. However, as an educator, I also recognize the importance of exposing music and music education to the public. Writing in a way that is inviting to novices, as BBC Music Magazine does, is vital for attracting new listeners.
Additionally, the magazine enhances the reading experience by linking to YouTube videos of the pieces or performances discussed in some articles. This multimedia approach adds depth to the content. I also appreciate that it includes jazz and world music, broadening the scope beyond just classical.
What I Don’t Like About It
A downside is that I often find myself reading the magazine too quickly. Each issue is filled with engaging content, making it easy to finish in one sitting. Additionally, as it is a BBC magazine, it promotes a wide range of BBC programming. I don’t have a problem with this, as it’s a smart way to work, but there are things I wish I could tune into, but I can’t.
Call to Action
Do you read the BBC Music Magazine? What are your thoughts? I welcome any insights or recommendations you may have on classical music resources.
