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November

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Music of the Day: 1–7 November 2026

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November begins with seven very different musical discoveries, from English theatre music and Argentine tango to Hollywood film scores, Russian ballet and some of the most influential voices in popular music.

This week’s featured musicians include Roger Quilter, Atilio Stampone, John Barry, Joseph Canteloube, Art Garfunkel, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and Joni Mitchell.

Each day includes a short biography and at least one piece of music to explore.

1 November – Roger Quilter

English composer Roger Quilter was particularly celebrated for his art songs, although he also wrote orchestral and theatrical music.

Our featured piece is the suite from Where the Rainbow Ends, originally composed as incidental music for a children’s play.

Explore Roger Quilter and listen to Where the Rainbow Ends

2 November – Atilio Stampone

Argentine pianist, arranger and composer Atilio Stampone was an important figure in the history of tango.

He performed with leading musicians, including Ástor Piazzolla, and helped sustain and develop the Argentine tango tradition.

Listen to his composition Desencanto.

Explore Atilio Stampone and listen to Desencanto

3 November – John Barry

Yorkshire-born composer John Barry became one of the most successful figures in British film music.

His work includes scores for several James Bond films, Out of Africa and Dances with Wolves.

Today features music from Out of Africa alongside the famous James Bond theme, offering two contrasting examples of film music.

Explore John Barry and listen to his film music

4 November – Joseph Canteloube

French composer and musicologist Joseph Canteloube is best known for Chants d’Auvergne, a collection of traditional folk songs arranged for voice and orchestra.

The featured piece, Baïlèro, demonstrates his ability to combine regional musical traditions with rich orchestral colours.

Explore Joseph Canteloube and listen to Baïlèro

5 November – Art Garfunkel

American singer Art Garfunkel became internationally famous through his partnership with Paul Simon before establishing a successful solo career.

Today’s selection is Bright Eyes, written by Mike Batt for Watership Down. Garfunkel’s distinctive voice helped make the recording a memorable part of British popular music.

Explore Art Garfunkel and listen to Bright Eyes

6 November – Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

One of the great composers of the Romantic era, Tchaikovsky is celebrated for his symphonies, concertos and ballet scores.

Today’s featured works are The Sleeping Beauty and the 1812 Overture.

Together, they provide contrasting examples of his orchestral imagination and ability to communicate dramatic ideas through music.

Explore Tchaikovsky and listen to his orchestral music

7 November – Joni Mitchell

Canadian singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell has influenced generations of musicians through her distinctive writing, innovative guitar tunings and exploration of folk, jazz and rock.

Today’s selection is her song Urge for Going, performed by violinist Nigel Kennedy.

This instrumental interpretation provides a different perspective on Mitchell’s melodic writing.

Explore Joni Mitchell and listen to Urge for Going

Music for listening and learning

This week’s music offers several useful opportunities for classroom listening and discussion.

  • Music and storytelling: Compare how John Barry and Tchaikovsky create atmosphere and communicate dramatic ideas.
  • Musical traditions: Explore the influence of Argentine tango on Atilio Stampone and French folk music on Joseph Canteloube.
  • Musical expression: Listen to the contrasting approaches to melody and emotion in performances associated with Art Garfunkel and Joni Mitchell.
  • Instruments and interpretation: Consider how the character of a melody changes when it is performed by a voice or an instrument.

For teachers, even a short listening activity can encourage pupils to notice, describe and discuss the musical choices they hear.

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Music of the Day: 25 October–1 November 2026

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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.

Flag_of_Scotland

November 30th

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Saint Andrew's Day Traditional

Scotland The Brave Alba an Aigh

Flower Of Scotland

Scotland
By Blank map of Europe (with disputed regions).svg: maix (talk)derivative work: Alphathon /’æɫfə.θɒn/ (talk) – This file was derived from: Blank map of Europe (with disputed regions).svg:, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=18497751

For Saint Andrew’s Day – Scotland The Brave and Flower Of Scotland

“Scotland the Brave” is a beloved Scottish patriotic song, often considered an unofficial anthem alongside “Flower of Scotland.” The origins of this stirring tune can be traced back to the late 19th century, with its earliest known publication in 1878. The lyrics most commonly sung today were written around 1950 by journalist Cliff Hanley. The song celebrates Scotland’s proud heritage and has been embraced by many, including the British Columbia Dragoons in Canada.

In contrast, “Flower of Scotland,” written by folk musician Roy Williamson in the mid-1960s, also reflects Scotland’s rich history. It commemorates the victory of Robert the Bruce at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, urging modern Scots to rise for independence. This song has become a staple at sporting events, being used by both the Scottish rugby and football teams.

While Scotland currently has no official anthem, these two songs resonate deeply with Scottish identity and pride.

Bernardo_Strozzi_-_Claudio_Monteverdi_(c.1630)

November 29th

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Claudio Monteverdi Baptised 15 May 1567 – 29 November 1643

Magnificat

Claudio Monteverdi
By Bernardo Strozzi – 1. Tiroler Landesmuseum2. The New York Times, 6 May 2017, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=29433511

Claudio Giovanni Antonio Monteverdi, born in 1567 in Cremona, Italy, was a remarkable composer who transformed the world of music. Working during the transition between the Renaissance and Baroque periods, he is best known for his contributions to opera, an art form he helped pioneer. Monteverdi’s early career began at the court of Mantua, where his innovative compositions gained recognition. Sadly, many of his works, including stage pieces, have been lost.

However, he left behind important pieces such as nine books of madrigals and major works like the “Vespro della Beata Vergine” and the opera “L’Orfeo,” which remains popular today. His music often combined traditional styles with new techniques, such as the basso continuo, paving the way for future composers. Monteverdi sometimes faced criticism for his bold methods, yet he defended his approach as necessary for emotional expression in music. 

Maria_Schneider

November 27th

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Maria Schneider Born 27 November 1960

Coming About

Maria Schneider
By Geert Vandepoele from Gent, Belgium – Maria Schneider, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4993509

Maria Lynn Schneider, born on 27th November 1960 in Windom, Minnesota, is a celebrated American composer and jazz orchestra leader. She began her musical journey by studying music theory and composition at the University of Minnesota, graduating in 1983, and later earning a master’s degree from the Eastman School of Music. After her studies, she worked as an assistant to the renowned composer Gil Evans, where she collaborated on various projects, including music for Sting.

In 1988, Schneider formed her first band, and in 1992, she created the Maria Schneider Jazz Orchestra. The orchestra quickly gained recognition and performed regularly in New York City. Schneider’s work has won multiple Grammy Awards, including for her album “Concert in the Garden.” Beyond her musical achievements, she has been an advocate for musicians’ rights, even filing a class action lawsuit against YouTube for copyright issues. Schneider’s passion for music and advocacy continues to inspire many around the world.

Takanori_Arisawa

November 26th

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Takanori Arisawa 2 April 1951 – 26 November 2005

Shinjuku Transfer

Princess of the 20th Century

Takanori Arisawa
By http://www.arizm.com/index-e.html, Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=12686537

Takanori Arisawa, born on April 2, 1951, in Tokyo, Japan, was a renowned composer and arranger best known for his work on the beloved anime series Sailor Moon and Digimon. His journey in music began rather late; he started learning the piano at the age of 20 after graduating from Senzoku Gakuen College. In 1980, Arisawa composed “Shinjuku Transfer,” marking the start of his career. For the next two decades, he primarily composed music for television dramas and commercials, but his passion for anime led him to focus exclusively on this genre.

Arisawa’s music for Sailor Moon evolved from pop to classical arrangements, reflecting the emotional growth of the characters. His innovative compositions earned him numerous awards, including the prestigious Golden Disk Grand Prize in 1993. He continued to influence the anime world until his untimely passing on November 26, 2005, due to bladder cancer. His contributions to music remain cherished by fans worldwide.

JohannFriedrichReichardtMusikerS130

November 25th

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Johann Friedrich Reichardt 25 November 1752 – 27 June 1814

Pieces for Flute Trio

Johann Friedrich Reichardt
By The original uploader was Jlorenz1@web.de at German Wikipedia.(Original text: Riedel Stich nach de:Anton Graff) – Transferred from de.wikipedia to Commons.(Original text: Hans Wahl, Anton Kippenberg: Goethe und seine Welt, Insel-Verlag, Leipzig 1932 S.130), Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2808583

Johann Friedrich Reichardt was born on 25 November 1752 in Königsberg, East Prussia. He came from a musical family, as his father was a lutenist and Stadtmusiker. From a young age, Reichardt was trained in various instruments, including the violin and lute. At just ten years old, he toured East Prussia with his choir, the “Wunderknaben”. After being encouraged by the philosopher Immanuel Kant, he decided to study Jurisprudence and Philosophy. However, he pursued a career in music instead.

Reichardt’s talents earned him the role of Royal Prussian Court Kapellmeister, a prestigious position in the world of music. He married Juliane Benda, a talented singer and composer. His travels led him to Vienna, where he met famous composers like Mozart. Reichardt wrote about 1,500 Lieder, setting poetry to music, particularly influenced by Goethe. Despite facing political challenges, his work remained popular, and his music is still cherished today.

Scott_Joplin_in_1912

November 24th

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Scott Joplin 24 November 1868 – 1 April 1917

Gladiolus Rag

The Entertainer

Scott Joplin
By Unknown author – https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/joplin-scott, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=150254187

Scott Joplin, born on November 24, 1868, in Texas, was an influential American composer and pianist, known as the “King of Ragtime.” He created over 40 ragtime pieces, two operas, and one ballet. His most famous work, the “Maple Leaf Rag,” published in 1899, became a significant hit and is often considered the essence of ragtime music. While Joplin loved ragtime, he envisioned it as a sophisticated genre to be played in concert halls, rather than in the noisy saloons.

Growing up in a musical family, he developed his talent early. In the late 1880s, Joplin toured the Southern United States, and his career was boosted when he attended the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893. By 1901, Joplin was settling in St. Louis, where he taught piano and published many of his famous compositions. Despite struggles with finances and health later in life, Joplin’s music remained influential, leading to a revival of his works in the 1970s, ultimately securing his legacy as a pivotal figure in American music history.

Ludovico_Einaudi_in_Tehran_12_(cropped)2

November 23rd

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Ludovico Einaudi Born 23 November 1955

Elegy For The Arctic

Elegy For The Arctic The Making Of

Pathos

Ludovico Einaudi
By Tasnim News Agency, CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=68563620

Ludovico Einaudi is an Italian pianist and composer born on 23 November 1955 in Turin, Italy. He trained at the Conservatorio Verdi in Milan and started his career as a classical composer. Over time, Einaudi began to blend various styles, including pop, rock, and folk. He is renowned for his film scores, composing music for films such as This Is England and The Intouchables. His compositions, like “Nuvole Bianche” and “Primavera,” have been featured extensively in film and television, captivating audiences worldwide.

Einaudi has released numerous albums, including I Giorni in 2001 and Nightbook in 2009, known for their ambient and meditative qualities. In March 2019, he launched a project titled Seven Days Walking, which was released monthly over seven months. Einaudi’s music often evokes deep emotions, making it popular in various artistic fields. His unique style combines classical foundations with contemporary elements, appealing to a wide audience.

Joaquin_Rodrigo_en_Rosario

November 22nd

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Joaquín Rodrigo 22 November 1901 – 6 July 1999

Fantasía para un gentilhombre

Concierto de Aranjuez Grimethorpe Colliery Band

Joaquín Rodrigo
By Mrexcel – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4585287

Joaquín Rodrigo Vidre, born on 22 November 1901 in Sagunto, Valencia, was a profoundly influential Spanish composer and pianist. Despite losing his sight entirely at the age of three due to diphtheria, Rodrigo showed remarkable talent from a young age, beginning to study piano and violin by eight. His dedication led him to create many celebrated compositions, with the most famous being the Concierto de Aranjuez, composed in 1939.

This concerto has become a key piece in classical guitar repertoire, renowned for its beautiful melodies that convey deep emotion. Rodrigo penned his music in Braille, showcasing his impressive ability to adapt to his challenges. Throughout his esteemed career, he taught music history at the Complutense University in Madrid and garnered accolades for his work, including a title of nobility.

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