WTF Bach
Evan ShinnersJ.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
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 146 | Founded | 6 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | MusicEducationMusic Commentary | |||
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Latest Episodes
— Who is Doctor Conrad Meckbach, and what is he doing in the middle of cantata 150?!
Using clues from a clever acrostic spread throughout the text, scholars have securely dated this cantata to Bach’s years in Arnstadt. Penitential in theme, it would... more
Am I the only one who hates when people ask what I ‘do?’
Composed first as a dialogue, I decided to make this more stream of consciousness, as today is Bloomsday (though this is not the least bit Joycean.) With which Evan will you sympathize? I ima... more
Last December, I spoke with Peter Wollny, one of today’s most important Bach scholars. We discuss how one becomes a Bach scholar, what it’s like to be in close proximity with Bach’s handwritten manuscripts, using watermarks within the paper to form a... more
(Fear not the length of this episode: the last 25 minutes or so are three different playings of the piece.)
Having written a prelude and fugue in every possible key, having created a single temperament for all of those pieces, having stretched the ... more
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- 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 Podcasts5p.e.r.i.o.d.i.c.
United States2 months 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 Podcasts5BIGCNFANinSDUnited States4 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 Podcasts3kskrglmqUnited States4 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 Podcasts5JahtahLionUnited States6 years ago - very fun!
i like learning about music theory and i’ve learned very little about counterpoint and fugue until now!
Apple Podcasts5emma merge dragonsUnited States6 years ago
Listeners Say
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Chart Rankings
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Apple Podcasts | #80 | United States/Music/Music Commentary |
Apple Podcasts | #65 |  United Kingdom/Music/Music Commentary |
Apple Podcasts | #123 |  Canada/Music/Music Commentary |
Apple Podcasts | #227 |  Germany/Music/Music Commentary |
Apple Podcasts | #18 |  Netherlands/Music/Music Commentary |
Apple Podcasts | #46 |  Israel/Music/Music Commentary |
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Frequently Asked Questions About WTF Bach
What is WTF Bach about and what kind of topics does it cover?
The show offers expert-level exploration of Bach's keyboard literature, blending in-depth musical analysis, performance practice, and historical context. Episodes consistently tackle structure, texture, and interpretation across instruments, with hands-on listening prompts and practical takeaways for performers, students, and avid listeners. Unique touches include deep dives into edition history, manuscript sources, and the performer's perspective, often weaving personal anecdotes and calendar/history trivia to illuminate Bach's music for discerning audiences.
Overall, it's a rigorous, accessible gateway into Baroque keyboard repertoire, appealing to musicians who want to hear how Bach's ideas unfold in real performance, as well as listene... more
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How many listeners does WTF Bach get?
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How many subscribers and views does WTF Bach have?
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Which podcasts are similar to WTF Bach?
These podcasts share a similar audience with WTF Bach:
1. Lexicon Valley
2. On the Media
3. The Ezra Klein Show
4. Making Sense with Sam Harris
5. The David Frum Show
How many episodes of WTF Bach are there?
WTF Bach launched 6 years ago and published 146 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
How do I contact WTF Bach?
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What guests have appeared on WTF Bach?
Recent guests on WTF Bach include:
1. Peter Wollny
2. Donald Francis Tovey
3. Paul Jacobs
4. Rosalyn Tureck
5. 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.