Women in Music: 6 works by 6 composers you should know

Women in Music: 6 works by 6 composers you should know

Episode 82 March 7, 2023

We explore in detail 6 works by 6 different living composers for a variety of instruments like solo cello, a string quartet, a piano concerto, and more! Visit the show notes page for more information on these composers and resources to find more.
An Unsung Heroine: The Life and Music of Fanny Mendelssohn

An Unsung Heroine: The Life and Music of Fanny Mendelssohn

Episode 66 May 31, 2022

She was a composer whose music was wrongfully neglected and was sometimes attributed and published under her brother's name. Join Evan Keely and John Banther as they discuss the unique challenges she faced, her letters, late success in publishing, and more. 
Piano Transformed: The Life and Music of Frederic Chopin

Piano Transformed: The Life and Music of Frederic Chopin

Episode 63 April 19, 2022

He was a different kind of composer than Mozart and Beethoven, and he transformed how we hear the piano. John Banther and Bill Bukowski talk about Chopin's early life, relationships, new styles of music he wrote, what set him apart, and more!
Louise Farrenc's Symphony No. 3: A hidden gem!

Louise Farrenc's Symphony No. 3: A hidden gem!

Episode 61 March 22, 2022

Her final symphony is one that deserves your attention and is now performed more often. John Banther and James Jacobs discuss the challenges she faced with sexism and the French attitude towards symphonies at the time, what to listen for, influences, and her unique orchestration. 
Clara Schumann: A story of stardom, passion, and courage

Clara Schumann: A story of stardom, passion, and courage

Episode 60 March 8, 2022

She was a composer, prodigy, and was considered one of the greatest pianists of the 19th century. Linda and John discuss various aspects of her compositions, education, and complicated career. Also, we share a heroic story of Clara you likely haven't heard before!
George Walker: He wants you to play his music

George Walker: He wants you to play his music

Episode 58 February 8, 2022

DC native composer, George Walker, was one of the great American composers of the 20th and 21st centuries. His close friend and colleague, Dr. Mickey Terry, joins John Banther to discuss his life, challenges, and three works you need to listen to.
The life and music of Robert Schumann

The life and music of Robert Schumann

Episode 55 December 28, 2021

His music helped define the sound and direction of the Romantic period of the 19th century across different forms; like music for piano, song, chamber music, and symphonies. John Banther and Linda Carducci talk about characteristics to listen for in his music, why he became a composer, and how literature played a part in his works. 
The life of William Grant Still

The life of William Grant Still

Episode 52 November 16, 2021

Known as the Dean of Afro-American Composers, William Grant Still wrote a variety of music, from symphony, opera, ballet, to popular song, and more. Gayle Murchinson, Associate Professor of Music at William and Mary, joins John Banther to discuss Still's life and explore his music across three aesthetics that she describes as Ultramodern, Racial, and Universal. 
The Life of Sergei Rachmaninoff

The Life of Sergei Rachmaninoff

Episode 50 October 19, 2021

Linda and John uncover details about Rachmaninoff's life, like early influences that stayed with him his entire career, his comeback story after a disastrous symphony premiere, and what led to him emigrating to the United States. Plus, we hear some recordings of Rachmaninoff himself at the piano from the early 1900s.