Music

Laura Marling’s new album sees her growing in confidence

The pianist Mitsuko Uchida’s humane alternative to the prodigy circus

His looks and guises, from Aladdin Sane to family man

“Written on Skin”, a new opera by a fanatical craftsman

A song on his new album opens with a riveting fusillade of filth

A new album from I Am Kloot, a Manchester band of sparkling glumness

Joyce DiDonato’s “Maria Stuarda” at the New York Met, a role to suit her flaring personality

Heading home for Christmas? Hazel Sheffield has a playlist for you, ranging from the States to the Pennines

For the past year, a boat in the sky has been London’s quirkiest rock venue. The curator was Laura Barton, music writer and IL contributor

A composer who bangs the drum for bhangra