Clemmie Burton-Hill and I first met when she came to work at Vogue. A talented violinist, she then left to become a successful broadcaster, actress, author and journalist (she currently presents the Breakfast show on Radio 3 and hosts the Proms amongst many other tv and radio shows). She has already written two novels but it is her just published third book called Year of Wonder that I think will top many people’s Christmas wishlist. The book came about because Clemmie was being asked by friends, family members and even strangers to make them a classical playlist. The resulting book, with it’s accompanying digital playlist, is a treasury of sorts in which Clemmie suggests a piece of music for every day of the year and explains in a short chapter a little about the music and it’s composer. It’s a book that manages to be both accessible to those who don’t know much about classical music and also interesting for those who do, which I think is no mean feat. It’s also cleverly organised into bite-sized sections so it doesn’t feel overwhelming and perfect to pick up and peruse at will. Both lively and a great read, I’ve already mentally earmarked those who I will be buying it for at Christmas.
Year of Wonder by Clemency Burton-Hill
