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.

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 …

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’ …

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 …

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, …

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 …

George Gershwin visited African-American churches and nightclubs in South Carolina to craft the music for “Porgy & Bess.” Years after his death, …