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Perhaps easier to see spelt out like this. Each row and column (except 1D) contains 2, 3 or even 4 separate solutions, not overlapping. There are 14 rows and 10 columns. All across solutions are composers, including one with the forename. In addition, all vowels including "y" must be deleted before entry in the grid; the letter count indicated is that before this removal. I found it helpful to mark the end of each solution with an extra thick line. My entry point was the single solution in 1D, which is highly seasonal.

My first reaction on seeing this was 'how disappointing' but then I read it, and read it again, and now I understand what's required I'm looking forward to it. Challenge accepted. FOI 14 2nd clue. That's all I've got so far...

Hmmm, I was hoping for something a little more conventional / approachable (that said I've got 1D which I assume is a gimme to get you started).

Think may instead focus my efforts on the aforementioned Private Eye Xmas special, which I'm chipping away at.

How are we supposed to get the down-clue answers placed? Wait until we've created a grid by getting all the composers?

I don't mind the long, themed BH puzzles too much so long as they are on a single grid. This isn't really for me though. It would be nice if they'd print a standard crossword to run along with these for the more conventional solve.

There is a standard crossword (by "Ludwig", no less) in the Saturday Magazine.

Same question as Mackania - do we enter the downs in the order of the clues or do we fit them in jigsaw-wise once we have the acrosses?

mackania, just enter the downs in the order presented - eg 2 down has 4 clues, enter them in order in column 2. Just leave out all vowels.

In fact it is quite possible to fill the entire grid just by cold solving the downs, most of which are pretty basic clues,

The question then is do you have the appetite to tease out the names of a bunch of obscure composers from the consonants in their names, and wordplay-only clues? Of the first 14 composers I found I had heard of exactly one. Of course, I never listen to classical music. Why couldn't it be rock guitarists of the 70s?

Same question as Mackania - do we enter the downs in the order of the clues or do we fit them in jigsaw-wise once we have the acrosses?

justsolve -just answered?

Thanks Buddy - much more do-able now!