Guides
Guides and essays on exploring classical music.
Work of the Week
A single work to live with for a week.
Work of the Week · June 4, 2026
Bruckner's Symphony No. 8: A Beginner's Guide and Two Great Recordings
An approachable guide to Bruckner's Eighth Symphony — where to start listening, why it's so long, and how Karajan's final recording compares to Boulez's live performance in Bruckner's own church.
Work of the Week · June 11, 2026
Mahler's Symphony No. 5: A Beginner's Guide and Two Great Recordings
An approachable guide to Mahler's Fifth Symphony — the funeral-march opening, the famous Adagietto and its love-letter story, and how Bernstein's fiery recording compares to Abbado's precision.
Venue of the Week
A great concert hall, and what makes it sound the way it does.