Welcome

So, musically, how was 2018 for you? This issue, Richard Morrison (p27) takes a look at his own standout moments and performance highlights from the past 12 months. On p38, however, we’ve invited a clutch of renowned artists to share their hopes – and fears – for the year ahead, from personal ambitions to general concerns for the music world. It makes for fascinating reading.

My 2018 highlight was back in June when I had the opportunity to give recitals on the organs of Arnstadt’s Neue Kirche and Mühlhausen’s Divi Blasii – Thuringian churches where the young JS Bach cut his teeth. Both modern instruments are close in build and sound to the organs Bach would have played (the Arnstadt organ still contains around 20 per cent of its original pipes) and, of course, both buildings still resonate with the same centuries-old acoustic. I’m not sure what made me more nervous: performing in front of my knowledgable audience or facing up to the extraordinary history of the instruments I was playing.

We’d love to hear what you’ve been up to in 2018 – whether it be venues you’ve visited for the first time, pieces you’ve fallen in love with, musicians that have had you on the edge of your seat or, like me, instruments that have left you open-mouthed. Write to us at music@ classical-music.com and we’ll print the best next issue.

Oliver Condy Editor