Rephonic
Artwork for WTF Bach
Johann Sebastian Bach
Bach
Fugues
PDQ Bach
Classical Music
Peter Schickele
Lute Harpsichord
Bach Store
JS. Bach
Baroque Music
Counterpoint
C Minor, BWV 574
Arnstadt
Tomaso Albinoni
Adam Reinken
Victor Borge
Cantata Bwv 104
Music
Goldberg Variations
Music Performance

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

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes136Founded6 years ago
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Music CommentaryMusicEducation

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Artwork for WTF Bach

Latest Episodes

Back to Bach next week! In the meantime, I thought you’d appreciate a story I wrote after I ‘discarded’ the majority of my possessions— mostly books. Whereas I easily tossed things like clothes, artwork, komono, plates, pens, et cetera, getting rid o... more

I don’t blame us for preferring our rather clean, modern Bach editions to this:

But are we so confident in our own interpretations that we can throw out the likes of Hans Bischoff, Carl Czerny, Ferruccio Busoni (pictured) and Donald Francis Tovey? T... more

YouTube

Happy Birthday Johann. Today, March 21st, not March 31st.

Let me repeat that for those of you feeling clever or citing google without thinking:

Happy Birthday Johann. Today, March 21st, not March 31st.

Why are people confused about this? How did t... more

YouTube

I was always jealous of jazz musicians, simply learning music off recordings— no sheet music necessary. Why couldn’t I do that? Why don’t classical musicians have this skill? It seems like all musical cultures in the world learn this way, so what was... more

YouTube

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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 170 ratings
  • 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 States2 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 States2 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

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

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

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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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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Which podcasts are similar to WTF Bach?

These podcasts share a similar audience with WTF Bach:

1. The Ezra Klein Show
2. Interesting Times with Ross Douthat
3. The LRB Podcast
4. The Political Scene | The New Yorker
5. The Opinions

How many episodes of WTF Bach are there?

WTF Bach launched 6 years ago and published 136 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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