Music of the Week: Brian May, Alan Menken, Robert Burns and more (19th–25th July)
This week’s journey through music takes us from stadium rock to Broadway, from Scottish folk heritage to Bengali song, alongside celebrated composers from classical and film music.
Whether you’re looking to discover someone new or revisit a familiar favourite, there’s something to explore every day.
This week’s featured musicians
19 July – Brian May
Queen’s legendary guitarist, songwriter and astrophysicist. Today’s featured work showcases the expressive, melodic guitar writing that has become his trademark.
20 July – Kamal Dasgupta
One of Bengal’s most influential composers, remembered for his beautiful melodies and lasting impact on South Asian music.
21 July – Robert Burns
Although best known as Scotland’s national poet, Burns inspired countless musical settings. Discover one of the many songs connected with his words.
22 July – Alan Menken
The composer behind some of Disney’s most loved films, including The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin.
23 July – Carlos Bonell
An internationally acclaimed classical guitarist whose recordings have introduced guitar music to audiences around the world.
24 July – Adolphe Adam
Best remembered for the Christmas carol O Holy Night, but also a prolific composer of ballet and opera.
25 July – Jerome Moross
An American composer whose film scores, particularly The Big Country, helped define the sound of the Western.
July classroom resources
If you’re a teacher, don’t forget the July Daily Music Reading Comprehensions (Ages 8+), giving pupils a short music-related reading activity for every day of the month: https://musicoftheday.co.uk/product/%f0%9f%8e%bc-july-composers-daily-music-reading-comprehension-ages-8/
A quick heads-up: prices across the Music Of The Day resource collection will be increasing over the next few weeks ahead of the launch of my new Music Mastery membership, so now is a good time to pick up any resources you’ve been considering.
Thanks for reading, and enjoy discovering this week’s music!