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Justin Webb (Today and Americast presenter) explores the surprising relationship between classical music and American political history. The rise of the city orchestra and opera.

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: we explore how the rise of the city orchestra and opera house fed American music-making and the development of an American sound.

Producer Emma Harding, BBC Audio Wales

Release date:

56 minutes

Broadcast

  • Sat 24 Jan 202613:00

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