Music of the Day: 25 October–1 November 2026
From Baroque keyboard music and nineteenth-century violin virtuosos to big-band jazz, film soundtracks and Albanian musical traditions, the final week of October offers another varied selection on Music of the Day.
There are some particularly recognisable musical connections this week, alongside names that may be completely new to you.
25 October – Camillo Sivori
An Italian violinist and composer who studied with the legendary Niccolò Paganini. Sivori became an internationally celebrated virtuoso, helping to preserve and develop the brilliant violin-playing tradition associated with his teacher.
26 October – Domenico Scarlatti
One of the great keyboard composers of the Baroque period. Scarlatti’s 555 keyboard sonatas explore a remarkable range of musical ideas, rhythms and techniques.
27 October – Dominick Argento
An American composer best known for his operas and song cycles. His vocal music demonstrates the expressive possibilities of combining words, storytelling and musical composition.
28 October – Howard Blake
A British composer whose music includes the much-loved score for The Snowman and its famous song Walking in the Air. His wider career encompasses concert music, orchestral works and film scores.
29 October – Neal Hefti
An American jazz trumpeter, arranger and composer who worked with Count Basie and other leading musicians. He is also remembered for writing the distinctive theme for the 1960s Batman television series.
30 October – Elizabeth Sprague Coolidge
An American pianist, composer and influential supporter of chamber music. Her commissions and financial support helped bring important new works into existence, while her foundation and concert initiatives encouraged generations of musicians.
31 October – Simon Gjoni
An Albanian composer and conductor who contributed to the development of his country’s musical culture. His compositions include orchestral music and popular songs such as Lule Borë.
Coming next: Roger Quilter on 1 November
As October ends, we look ahead to Roger Quilter, an English composer especially associated with art songs.
His suite from Where the Rainbow Ends, originally written for a children’s play, will provide our first musical discovery of November.
Music for listening and learning
This week’s selection provides opportunities to explore several different musical ideas.
Students could compare the dramatic effects of film and television music, discover how keyboard and violin techniques have developed, or investigate the role of individuals such as Elizabeth Sprague Coolidge in supporting new music.
These listening experiences don’t need to take an entire lesson. Even a few minutes of focused listening can encourage curiosity and introduce pupils to music they might otherwise never encounter.
Visit MusicOfTheDay.co.uk for daily biographies and music to explore.
Discover a different composer or musician every day.
