Bachtrack top ten: music inspired by front page news

Ten works revealing the paradox of Chopin: a composer outwardly delicate, inwardly steely; rooted in Polish dance rhythms, yet formed in Parisian sophistication. 

A hugely successful composer of bel canto opera, Gaetano Donizetti had a lasting impact, with many of his operas entering regular rotation in houses around the world for almost 200 years. 

Music ran through the veins of Johann Strauss II and – despite his father’s opposition – he went on to compose many of the greatest waltzes ever.

From the early succès de scandale of Salome to a golden Indian summer, Richard Strauss’ long career spanned eight decades. Enjoy some highlights in our playlist. 

From Henry Purcell to George Benjamin, a set of ten operas to demonstrate that English is not just a language for prose and poetry, but also a vibrant language for opera.

If Georges Bizet had written only Carmen, he would still have earned his place in classical music’s Hall of Fame, yet there is much more to this composer who died tragically young.