Aaron Copland: The Sound of America

Aaron Copland: The Sound of America

Episode 120 December 10, 2024

One of the most iconic American composers was at one point even considered by some to be "un-American." John Banther and Evan Keely explore Copland's life, works you probably don't know, what influenced him, how he created an "American" sound, and why he was questioned at length in a senate subcommittee hearing in 1953. 
Jean Sibelius, how a composer became the voice of a nation!

Jean Sibelius, how a composer became the voice of a nation!

Episode 99 December 26, 2023

Few countries have elevated a composer like Finland and Jean Sibelius. John Banther and Evan Keely look into his breakout success, symphonies, dramatic life events, and how he incorporates Finnish culture into music. Plus, what do Sibelius, Gilmore Girls, and Lord of The Rings have in common?
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!