
6 episodes

Decomposed with Jade Simmons American Public Media
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- Music
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4.8 • 1.4K Ratings
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Decomposed breaks down the stories that have shaped classical music, from secrets and scandals to acts of sheer genius. Hear these stories accompanied by the symphonies, operas and other masterpieces they inspired. Hosted by Jade Simmons, a classical concert pianist and storyteller, the first season of Decomposed takes on gender expectations, Cold War propaganda and the danger of putting your personal life on the stage. Produced in partnership with Classical Minnesota Public Radio.
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“A fallen, abominable, wicked girl”
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.
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Oil, meet fire
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.
For a complete list of the music in this episode, as well as recommended reading, visit decomposedshow.org -
“Why did you betray me?”
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.
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Symphony for a starving city
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.
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“There is only one Beethoven”
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.
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Introducing Decomposed with Jade Simmons
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.
Customer Reviews
Wonderful!
I have a Bachelors degree in Music Education and I absolutely LOVE this vignettes back to my old Music History days from college. Thank you so much for these snippets of music history! It feeds my inner music nerd!
Please Come Back!
Heard the episode of Clara Schumann and fell in love with this podcast immediately. Please come back with new season.
Wonderful Podcast
On a recommendation, I found this podcast and have been mesmerized by the content, music and captivating narrative. I see other reviewers have made requests for more of the same and I’m hoping that future episodes are in the works. Thank you for such an educational and entertaining podcast. I’ve loved it! Please keep them coming!