2: Manifest Destiny

Justin Webb (presenter of Today and Americast, and former BBC North America Editor) explores the surprising relationship between classical music and American politics. From the days of the Founding Fathers, music was used to assert an American identity, distinct from a European musical tradition. And evolving political and social ideals, dreams and struggles were mirrored in the music being created - from Manifest Destiny to #MeToo, from Civil War to Civil Rights.

In today's episode: Manifest Destiny and the American frontier. We explore how nineteenth century American classical music reflected the romance and danger of the push westwards, as well as the ideological conviction of the United States' right to expand its territory. And learn about Lincoln's fondness for the harmonica.

Producer Emma Harding, BBC Audio Wales