Dive deep into some of the favorite pieces in Classical music!

From intimate music for solo piano to grand masterpieces for a symphony orchestra, discover your new favorite pieces, and the thrilling stories behind the music.

Listen to the episodes below and use the activity sheet to deepen your understanding.

Activity Sheet

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Let's Go to the Symphony!

As you listen to your chosen episode, take notes with the given questions in mind. When you are finished, write a review of the piece, as if you are a music critic for a newspaper!

Teachers/Parents:
The goal is for the student to listen to the episode critically, all the while thinking for themselves and considering what their personal takeaway is from learning about the piece. More than absorbing facts, the exercise encourages the student to relate to the piece in a personal way, forming their own opinions, and letting the music spark their creativity.
 

Episodes

  • Mahler's Symphony No. 5, a story of uncertainty and triumph

    Mahler's Symphony No. 5, a story of uncertainty and triumph

    Episode 133 June 10, 2025

    This work marks a departure from his previous symphonies, which were linked together by vocal music. But what is this? Is this Mahler working through his mortality and uncertainty, or something else? John Banther and Evan Keely show you what to listen for, how Mahler achieves his unique sound, and what it could all mean. 
  • Ethel Smyth's Mass in D: A 19th century mass by an extraordinary woman!

    Ethel Smyth's Mass in D: A 19th century mass by an extraordinary woman!

    Episode 126 March 4, 2025

    Conductor Steven Fox joins John Banther to talk about this Mass that was overlooked after its premiere in 1893. Fox tells us everything we need to know about a mass, what to listen for, and how Ethel Smyth's mass stands apart. We also touch on her life as she was an aggressive suffragette, women's rights advocate, and openly bisexual composer in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
  • Lincoln Portrait: Aaron Copland's defense of Democracy

    Lincoln Portrait: Aaron Copland's defense of Democracy

    Episode 123 January 21, 2025

    Music was used in World War 2 like never before, from propaganda to national pride. John Banther and Evan Keely explore Copland's musical effort to rally a defense for democracy using Abraham Lincoln's timeless words and examine why it was banned from a Presidential inauguration. 
  • Your Guide to JS Bach's Cello Suites!

    Your Guide to JS Bach's Cello Suites!

    Episode 121 December 24, 2024

    WETA resident cello player James Jacobs joins John Banther for a deep dive into the 6 iconic cello suites by JS Bach. With cello in hand, James demonstrates different aspects of the suites and shows us what to listen for, plus we enjoy a full recording performance of one of the suites at the end!

Support for arts and education programming on WETA comes from the Estate of Toni A. Ritzenberg.