Rephonic
Artwork for WTF Bach
Johann Sebastian Bach
Bach
Well-Tempered Clavier
Baroque Music
J.S. Bach
Fugues
The Well-Tempered Clavier
Counterpoint
Classical Music
Goldberg Variations
Aria Variata
Actus Tragicus
Canon
G Minor
Andreas Bach Book
Language
F Sharp Minor
Piano
Lute Harpsichord
Peter Schickele

J.S. Bach explained — music analysis, Baroque history, counterpoint and performance practice. A classical music podcast for listeners who want to understand what they're hearing. Weekly analysis of Bach's music: Well-Tempered Clavier, Brandenburg Concertos, St. Matthew Passion and more. Classical music education for all levels. wtfbach.substack.com

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes141Founded6 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
EducationMusicMusic Commentary

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Artwork for WTF Bach

Latest Episodes

“While the c# minor fugue awakens the conception of a mighty cathedral, the two numbers in b-flat minor may be likened to artistically wrought side-chapel’s vaults, in which things most precious are kept.” —Busoni’s remarks on BWV 867.

Things most p... more

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César Vallejo (1892-1938) is one of my favorite poets. To define his style is difficult: one doesn’t understand his poems so much as one absorbs them. His words— seemingly impenetrable— have a sense to them which gnaws and tugs at dormant parts of th... more

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It’s thrilling to look at the music of Bach’s predecessors. We see the very shape of Bach to come (I say, referencing my own album…) In several of Buxtehude’s works, we find this texture:

Bach tossed the trick into his bag for later deployment:

Not... more

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Perhaps before composing the bulk of The Well-Tempered Clavier, Bach had been challenging himself to create a fugue with real technical daring. This fugue, in a minor BWV 865, represents some of the composer’s most ambitious fugal writing. Have a loo... more

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Recent Guests

Donald Francis Tovey
Sir Donald Francis Tovey, musicologist and editor known for his Bach edition commentary
Editor of Bach editions (historical)
Episode: 128: Donald Francis Tovey's Well-Tempered
Paul Jacobs
Head of the organ department at Juilliard and acclaimed organist
Juilliard
Episode: 119: Special Guest! Paul Jacobs
Rosalyn Tureck
One of the renowned Bach pianists known for her eccentric interpretation of classical music.
Episode: 103: The 'Covid Etude' Moral + Tureck’s Hallucination (11 min.)
Ton Koopman
Prominent conductor and performer of Baroque music, founder of the Amsterdam Baroque Choir and Orchestra.
Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra
Episode: 100th Episode! Special Guest: Ton Koopman

Host

Evan Shinners
Host and guide through the world of J.S. Bach's music, combining humor and scholarly insight to deepen understanding of classical compositions.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 174 ratings
  • How do I use substack?

    I go to the substack site and try to add the free subscription, but after that nothing seems to work. Any help? Thx..

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    p.e.r.i.o.d.i.c.
    United Statesa month ago
  • Amazing!

    I love classical music and am learning so much from your podcast. Thank you for breaking it down. My favorite podcast is a comedy one called Community News by Paul and Sasha. My second favorite one is a comedy podcast called Fly on the Wall. If you want to try comedy podcasts. YOU are now my new favorite classical music podcast. Gave you 5 stars. Thanks for adding this to the pod sphere.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    BIGCNFANinSD
    United States3 months ago
  • Too much “personality”

    I wanted to learn about Bach but having to put up with his theatricality and “humor” was too much

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    kskrglmq
    United States3 months ago
  • Fascinating and learning so much

    I came for the Mehldau, stayed for time of new great information. Really enjoyed the L/R separated parts to help me hear the different voices.

    I’m a guitar player. Any interesting guitar interpretations of Fugues or Bach in general?

    Thanks for the great work!!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    JahtahLion
    United States6 years ago
  • very fun!

    i like learning about music theory and i’ve learned very little about counterpoint and fugue until now!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    emma merge dragons
    United States6 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Many enjoy the depth of discussion on complex musical themes, making sophistication accessible and relatable for all audiences.
Listeners appreciate the engaging and humorous approach to classical music, highlighting the educational insights provided on topics like music theory and Bach's compositions.

Chart Rankings

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

119: Special Guest! Paul Jacobs
Q: Do you believe the Art of Fugue was finished?
No, I think Bach left the work incomplete; he didn't have the time to complete it before he died.
119: Special Guest! Paul Jacobs
Q: Can I mention some myths about you?
Paul confirms that he was indeed serious as a student, often practicing late into the night and that while he memorized much of Bach's work, he did not perform *all* from memory during the marathon.
108: Bach's D Minor Prelude and Fugue, Book One
Q: What is your personal experience with Bach's music?
The host describes a transformative experience with The Well-Tempered Clavier, particularly its complexities discovered only after years of engagement.
104: Bach (Almost) Spells His Name in a 5-Voice Triple Fugue
Q: Why would I or anyone be excited about a five-voice triple fugue?
The episode explores the significance of the five-voice triple fugue, detailing its complexities and how writers like Bach uniquely express themselves through this musical form.
100th Episode! Special Guest: Ton Koopman
Q: A favorite cantata and a favorite fugue?
On this moment, my favorite cantata is 'He is a Christian man and a God.' and for fugue, the G-minor.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About WTF Bach

What is WTF Bach about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Engaging with the rich tapestry of J.S. Bach's music, this podcast offers listeners a deep understanding of his works, characterized by a unique blend of humor and insightful commentary. Episodes traverse various themes, from musical analyses of specific compositions like fugues and preludes to explorations of Bach's historical significance and the emotional depth embedded in his music. With a focus on accessibility, the host often simplifies complex musical concepts, making it suitable for both dedicated musicians and general music enthusiasts, thereby ensuring a broad appeal. In addition to musicology, episodes occasionally integrate relevant cultural discussions and personal anecdotes, further enhancing the listening experience.

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1. The Ezra Klein Show
2. On the Media
3. The New Yorker Radio Hour
4. Fresh Air
5. Radio Atlantic

How many episodes of WTF Bach are there?

WTF Bach launched 6 years ago and published 141 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on WTF Bach?

Recent guests on WTF Bach include:

1. Donald Francis Tovey
2. Paul Jacobs
3. Rosalyn Tureck
4. Ton Koopman

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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