Support 110 years of independent journalism.

Phil Hebblethwaite

Schumann and the arrival of spring

How the composer moved from riotously original piano music to the light-footed symphony that made his name.

By Phil Hebblethwaite

Music

Sibelius’s symphony without sequel

By Phil Hebblethwaite

Music

The Rhapsody in Blue revolution

By Phil Hebblethwaite

Music

How Scott Ross broke the rules of classical music

By Phil Hebblethwaite

Music

Bach’s accidental masterpiece

By Phil Hebblethwaite

All Articles

How Steve Reich’s Clapping Music rebooted classical

Fifty years ago the American composer perfected minimalism for the mainstream.

By Phil Hebblethwaite

The enduring chill of Schubert’s Winterreise

A work ahead of its time, the composer's great song cycle meditates on all our disappointments.

By Phil Hebblethwaite

Select and enter your email address

The Saturday Read

Your weekly guide to the best writing on ideas, politics, books and culture every Saturday. The best way to sign up for The Saturday Read is via saturdayread.substack.com

Morning Call

The New Statesman's quick and essential guide to the news and politics of the day. The best way to sign up for Morning Call is via morningcall.substack.com

The Salvo

Our Thursday ideas newsletter, delving into philosophy, criticism, and intellectual history. The best way to sign up for The Salvo is via thesalvo.substack.com

Events and Offers

Stay up to date with NS events, subscription offers & updates.

The Green Transition

Weekly analysis of the shift to a new economy from the New Statesman's Spotlight on Policy team. The best way to sign up for The Green Transition is via spotlightonpolicy.substack.com

Your email address

Visit our privacy Policy for more information about our services, how New Statesman Media Group may use, process and share your personal data, including information on your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications.