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Justin Webb (Today and Americast presenter) explores the surprising relationship between classical music and American political history.

Justin Webb (presenter of Today and Americast, and former Âé¶¹Éç North America Editor) explores the surprising relationship between classical music and American politics. From the days of the Founding Fathers, music was used to assert an American identity, distinct from a European musical tradition. And evolving political and social ideals, dreams and struggles were mirrored in the music being created - from Manifest Destiny to #MeToo, from Civil War to Civil Rights.

In today's episode: George Washington, the Revolutionary Wars and music for a new nation. We also explore the indigenous music of North America and the music of the first European settlers.

Producer Emma Harding, Âé¶¹Éç Audio Wales

Release date:

56 minutes

On radio

Sat 10 Jan 2026 13:00

Broadcast

  • Sat 10 Jan 2026 13:00

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