The May 2011 edition of Gramophone is now on sale.

Our cover story explores the 20th century’s finest opera comedy 100 years since its premiere, Strauss’s Der Rosenkavalier. Leading singers, including Renée Fleming, talk about playing the opera's iconic roles, and in the Gramophone Collection David Patrick Stearns explores the recorded history of the work, naming the greatest versions to own.

Elsewhere in the issue:

- Cellist Julian Lloyd Webber writes this month’s Diary, reflecting on his 60th birthday celebrations.

- We present the world’s worst album covers, as chosen by Gramophone's reviewers, and by you, our readers.

- Our 25-page guide to this year's summer music festivals throughout the world.

- The latest developments in music streaming technology explored in our High Fidelity audio section – and the latest news about what to download, and where from, in James Jolly’s Tune Surfing feature.

- Plus more than 140 reviews, including of course our Editor's Choice selection featuring the best releases of the month.

Don't forget to visit the Gramophone Player, where you can hear excerpts from all the Editor's Choices, the Collection's recommended recordings, a newly transferred recording from the archives, and some film music to enjoy. Click here for more information.

Gramophone May 2011: on sale now at newsagents - or click here to subscribe

And don't forget, you can also now buy Gramophone as a digital magazine - click here to find out more.

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