author
Ivan March
A devoted champion of recorded classical music, he helped generations of listeners find great performances with clear, enthusiastic guidance. Best known for the long-running Penguin Guides and his work with Gramophone, he combined expert knowledge with an inviting, down-to-earth style.
1 Audiobook
Too old to fly
by Ivan March
About the author
Born in 1928 and active for decades as a British music critic, editor, and entrepreneur, Ivan March became one of the most recognizable guides to the world of classical recordings. He was closely associated with Gramophone magazine and wrote extensively about recorded music at a time when LPs and later CDs were transforming how people listened.
March was especially known for helping shape influential reference works for collectors, including The Stereo Record Guide and the Penguin Guides to recorded classical music. Alongside his writing, he also played a practical role in music access through record-lending ventures, reflecting a lifelong belief that great performances should be easier for listeners to discover.
He died in 2018, but his reputation endures among classical music fans for his generosity, range of knowledge, and enthusiasm for the art of recording. His work remains tied to a period when careful listening and thoughtful criticism could open up an entire musical world.