Episodes: 2019

    • 2019
Episode 5Episode 5

“There is only one Beethoven”

May 14, 2019
Everybody knows the Beethoven story: He’s a brilliant composer who faced hearing loss; a genius who couldn’t listen to his own masterpieces. But there’s a different way to consider the story we think we know.
Decomposed episode about composer Shostakovich.Decomposed episode about composer Shostakovich.

Symphony for a starving city

May 7, 2019
Making music under Stalin was a dangerous undertaking — it could end with applause or in a prison camp. In the brutal grip of World War II, Shostakovich composed a symphony so powerful, it was smuggled halfway around the world in order to be played.
Episode 3Episode 3

“Why did you betray me?”

April 30, 2019
This is the story of two letters Tchaikovsky received in the mail. One would lead to his greatest mistake; the other to the most intimate relationship of his life.
Episode 2Episode 2

Oil, meet fire

April 23, 2019
Richard Strauss and his wife Pauline de Ahna are often described as artist and muse. But you’ve never met a muse like Pauline. One of Strauss’ greatest musical masterpieces was ripped straight from the most scandalous moment of their marriage.
Episode 1Episode 1

“A fallen, abominable, wicked girl”

April 16, 2019
Clara Schumann was a child prodigy turned international sensation — when she never should have been on stage at all. This is the story of a woman who was born to play, and refused to stop.
Introducing Decomposed with Jade Simmons

Introducing Decomposed with Jade Simmons

April 2, 2019
Coming April 16, Decomposed breaks down the stories that have shaped classical music. Hosted by pianist Jade Simmons, this new podcast will change the way you hear the notes.