Main content
This programme will be available shortly after broadcast

Justin Webb (Today and Americast presenter) explores the relationship between classical music and American political history. Today, the musical influence of immigrants and emigrés

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 the musical melting pot, and the influence of immigrants and emigrés, who brought with them new musical ideas that would shape American cultural life

Producer Megan Jones, BBC Audio Wales

Release date:

56 minutes

On radio

Sat 31 Jan 202613:00

Broadcast

  • Sat 31 Jan 202613:00

Knock on wood – six stunning wooden concert halls around the world

Knock on wood – six stunning wooden concert halls around the world

Steel and concrete can't beat good old wood to produce the best sounds for music.

The evolution of video game music

The evolution of video game music

Tom Service traces the rise of an exciting new genre, from bleeps to responsive scores.

Why music can literally make us lose track of time

Why music can literally make us lose track of time

Try our psychoacoustic experiment to see how tempo can affect your timekeeping abilities.

Podcast