Shows / Classical Breakdown
Classical Breakdown
John Banther takes classical music fans behind the scenes with interviews, deep dives, and analysis. Episodes released bi-weekly on Tuesdays. Produced by WETA Classical in Washington, D.C.
Episodes
Classical BreakdownElgar's Enigma Variations, a portrait of friends, life, and love!
We enjoy a full performance of the Enigma Variations at the end of the episode, but first, we get into the people and places depicted in colorful detail in…
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Robert Schumann's Carnaval: A solo piano brings a masked ball to life!
Real and fictional characters come to life in this incredibly challenging work for piano that also includes musical puzzles. John Banther and Linda Carducci…
Classical BreakdownThe Life of Nadia Boulanger: A Lasting Impact from Bernstein to Sesame Street
She might have been the most influential person in music of the 20th century, and few would argue with you. John Banther and Evan Keely explore her life…
Classical BreakdownHaydn's masterpiece for 4 soloists and orchestra, the Sinfonia Concertante
We've come to know the concerto as a work showcasing a single soloist with (or sometimes against) an orchestra, but what if a work has not 1... but 4 soloists…
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The Evolution of the Piano: A Thousand Year Journey!
It's one of the most common musical instruments, but where did it come from and how did we get here? John Banther and Linda Carducci go on a journey through…
Classical BreakdownJoan Tower's Concerto for Orchestra, an adventure in color, illusion, and rhythm!
There aren't that many examples of a "concerto" for orchestra, and in Joan Tower's, it's an electrifying world of rhythm, motion, and even deception! John…
Classical BreakdownThe secret life of a classical recording engineer: Meet WETA's Charles Lawson
Have you ever wondered how to record an orchestra but were too afraid to ask? Critically acclaimed recording engineer Charles Lawson spends his days recording…
Classical BreakdownThe life and music of Antonin Dvořák; from humble beginnings to stardom!
We'll enjoy his Symphony No. 9 "From the New World" at the end, but first we look at his influential and controversial time in the United States, itself a…
Classical Breakdown6 recommended works by living Black composers!
We celebrate the music of living Black composers with 6 recommended works spanning violin and piano to the full orchestra! Go to the show notes page at…
Classical BreakdownKorngold's Violin Concerto, from the Golden Age of Hollywood!
The sounds of Hollywood are found throughout this enduring concerto. John Banther and Evan Keely show you moments in the music to listen for, how Korngold does…
Classical BreakdownEpisode 100, let's celebrate!
We have a full symphony by Mahler to listen to after we enjoy highlights from the past 99 episodes! Let's take time to experience again the musicians who…
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Jean Sibelius, how a composer became the voice of a nation!
Few countries have elevated a composer like Finland and Jean Sibelius. John Banther and Evan Keely look into his breakout success, symphonies, dramatic life…
Classical BreakdownAugusta Holmès' Andromède; an epic Greek myth inspired symphonic poem!
You may not recognize the composer or piece, but this is a work that deserves your attention! John Banther and Evan Keely explore the poem and how it comes to…
Classical BreakdownOpera 101, everything you wanted to know but were afraid to ask!
Feeling dramatic? Opera has you covered! John Banther and Linda Carducci go on a journey through time on the origins, evolution, and dramatic moments of this…
Classical BreakdownTchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet Overture: 3 themes and Shakespearean connections!
It's one of the more familiar works in the repertoire, but how well do you know the 3 major themes and Shakespearean connections? John Banther and Shakespeare…
Classical BreakdownThe inspiring life and music of Germaine Tailleferre: plus 5 recommended works!
She was a pioneering French composer who helped shape the sound of France's music post World War I, but she also faced extraordinary challenges. John Banther…
Classical BreakdownThe Nocturne, a journey from the 19th century to Daft Punk!
How easily can a genre of music be defined? John Banther and Linda Carducci explore the origins of the Nocturne and how it evolved from its simple defining…
Classical BreakdownRespighi's The Pines of Rome: a picturesque tour of Rome!
Respighi is our tour guide as we explore 4 different scenes in Rome inspired by their iconic Stone pine trees. John Banther and Evan Keely explore his…
Classical BreakdownThe short yet musically prolific life of Franz Schubert
He was a composer who seemed to fit some of the "tragic artist" stereotypes of the Romantic period, he was prolific, had unrequited love, and died tragically…
Classical BreakdownRachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2: a musical comeback story!
Unforgettable melodies, rich harmonies, and technical fireworks encompass this concerto which is also one of the great musical comeback stories! Join us to…
Classical BreakdownSummer Listening Guide: 4 albums to expand your musical horizons!
Discover new favorites as John Banther showcases 4 recent releases that deserve your attention this summer! Go to the show notes page at ClassicalBreakdown.org…
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Theme and Variations: 4 types and what to listen for!
It might be one of the oldest ideas in all of music (of any kind!), but, how did it develop in our Western classical music tradition? John and Evan explore…
Classical BreakdownThe Illustrious Life and Music of Haydn: From hardship to stardom
Enjoy a performance of one of Haydn's iconic concertos at the end of the episode! We talk about Haydn's hardship to stardom life, and why he ended up writing…
Classical BreakdownBeethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5 "Emperor": Breaking expectations!
We unravel the secrets and beauty of Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5 "Emperor," hailed as a masterpiece in the piano concerto repertoire. We explore the…
Classical BreakdownIn conversation with Maestro Gianandrea Noseda: His journey, perspectives on music, conducting, and more!
This charismatic Italian has become one of the most sought-after conductors for both orchestras and opera houses. John Banther and Gianandrea Noseda discuss…
Classical BreakdownMahler's Symphony No. 1: A rewarding symphonic journey!
One of the more original first symphonies from a composer, Gustav Mahler's entry into the symphonic world was initially misunderstood. John Banther and Evan…
Classical BreakdownFantasia: Music from the realm of imagination!
Go on a journey through time with us as we explore a genre of music called the Fantasia! John Banther and Evan Keely discuss how the genre started, evolved…
Classical BreakdownThe life and music of Cecile Chaminade: Genius has no gender
She persisted and created her own success in defiance of the sexism faced at home and abroad. We explore her life, works you need to hear, and even hear a…
Classical BreakdownWomen in Music: 6 works by 6 composers you should know
We explore in detail 6 works by 6 different living composers for a variety of instruments like solo cello, a string quartet, a piano concerto, and more! Visit…
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Ravel's Piano Concerto for Left Hand: A masterpiece of musical illusions and creativity!
There are a lot of questions and considerations when it comes to writing a piano concerto for a single hand. John Banther and Evan Keely explore the origins of…
Classical BreakdownJoseph Bologne, the most interesting 18th century composer?
If there was a "most interesting man in the world" it would be Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges. He wasn't just a virtuoso violinist, composer, and…
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Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 6 "Pathetique": A symphony of unanswerable questions
No matter how many times you've heard this work, there is much to discover! John Banther and Evan Keely examine letters from his final year, musical examples…
Classical BreakdownAntonio Vivaldi's life, music, and the women who shaped his career
Did a volcano erupt when he was born, what illness plagued his priesthood, and why did he write so many concertos? Join us to learn all about Vivaldi's life…
Classical BreakdownBrahms' Haydn Variations: Don't judge a theme by its composer!
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Classical BreakdownA holiday gem: Margaret Bonds' The Ballad of the Brown King
This work for choir and orchestra might become your new holiday favorite! Bonds' takes us on an evocative musical journey with more in the story than meets the…
Classical BreakdownGeorge Frideric Handel: life of fame, musical style, and 3 things you didn't know before!
He's one of history's most famous composers, but how much do you really know about Handel? Join us to learn about his life, music, and desire for fame; plus 3…
Classical BreakdownWG Still's Afro-American Symphony: Blues idioms, new instruments, and a uniquely American style
This symphony takes its inspiration from the blues in the 1920s, which were much different than the blues we typically hear today. Join us to learn how Still…
Classical BreakdownThe Saxophone, everything you need to know about this unique genre-hopping instrument!
Doctors at one time prescribed playing the saxophone for certain ailments?! Learn all about the saxophone's invention, development, and all the genres it's…
Classical BreakdownMozart y Mambo! Horn superstar Sarah Willis shows off her newest album
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Classical BreakdownBy Listener Request: 3 deep dives into works by Pachelbel, Liszt, and Vaughan Williams
Coming to you from our email inbox, here's an episode of music requested by you the listener! These three works are iconic, but leave your preconceived notions…
Classical BreakdownClaude Debussy: 4 points to hear his music in a new way!
Was he an impressionist, symbolist, or something else? John Banther and Evan Keely dive into the life and music of Debussy while giving you 4 points to hear…
Classical BreakdownRachmaninoff's Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini: A Baltimore connection and hidden themes!
Season 4 kicks off with one of the most beloved works in the orchestral repertoire. John Banther and Bill Bukowski talk about the theme's origins, melodies…
Classical BreakdownSummer Listening Guide: 4 albums to expand your musical horizons!
Half the fun of music is finding something new, so why not use the summer to discover new classical favorites while you hit the road, the mountains, the beach…
Classical BreakdownGrieg’s Piano Concerto: The Heart of Norway
Enjoy a full recording of this concerto after Linda and John discuss its origin, Norwegian influences, and what to listen for. Support Classical Breakdown…
Classical BreakdownAn Unsung Heroine: The Life and Music of Fanny Mendelssohn
She was a composer whose music was wrongfully neglected and was sometimes attributed and published under her brother's name. Join Evan Keely and John Banther…
Classical BreakdownUnder Pressure: What is an Oboe with Nick Stovall, NSO's Principal Oboe
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Classical BreakdownRavel's Bolero with Joshua Weilerstein: A conductor's insight
It seems simple on the surface, but there is a lot to discover in Ravel's most famous work (much to his dismay!). Joshua Weilerstein, one of today's in-demand…
Classical BreakdownPiano Transformed: The Life and Music of Frederic Chopin
He was a different kind of composer than Mozart and Beethoven, and he transformed how we hear the piano. John Banther and Bill Bukowski talk about Chopin's…
Classical BreakdownAll about that bass! With NSO Principal Bass Robert Oppelt
The Bass is one of the largest and lowest instruments in the orchestra. Learn how it evolved and was used over the centuries, how it can play solos just like…
Classical BreakdownLouise Farrenc's Symphony No. 3: A hidden gem!
Her final symphony is one that deserves your attention and is now performed more often. John Banther and James Jacobs discuss the challenges she faced with…
Classical BreakdownClara Schumann: A story of stardom, passion, and courage
She was a composer, prodigy, and was considered one of the greatest pianists of the 19th century. Linda and John discuss various aspects of her compositions…
Classical BreakdownFlorence Price Symphony No. 1: An American Symphony
It was the first symphony of an African-American woman to be performed by a major US orchestra. John Banther and Nicole Lacroix talk about how she found time…
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George Walker: He wants you to play his music
DC native composer, George Walker, was one of the great American composers of the 20th and 21st centuries. His close friend and colleague, Dr. Mickey Terry…
Classical BreakdownDvorak's Cello Concerto, 5 things to listen for!
There is always something new to discover, no matter how many times you've heard a piece. Our resident cello player, James Jacobs, joins John Banther to give…
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How an orchestra creates a year of concerts, with NSO's Nigel Boon
Have you ever wondered how an orchestra puts a full season of concerts together? Nigel Boon, Director of Artistic Planning shows how he juggles multiple…
Classical BreakdownThe life and music of Robert Schumann
His music helped define the sound and direction of the Romantic period of the 19th century across different forms; like music for piano, song, chamber music…
Classical BreakdownBach's Christmas Oratorio, what to listen for and know!
It's a holiday classic that is becoming more popular, especially in the Washington area. Bill Bukowski joins John Banther to explain everything we need to know…
Classical BreakdownBernstein's West Side Story
Here is what to listen for, know, and appreciate when it comes to West Side Story before you watch the 2021 movie remake! Support Classical Breakdown…
Classical BreakdownThe life of William Grant Still
Known as the Dean of Afro-American Composers, William Grant Still wrote a variety of music, from symphony, opera, ballet, to popular song, and more. Gayle…
Classical BreakdownMozart's Clarinet Concerto
Composed in his final year, this concerto is one of Mozart's last and most enduring works. Nicole and John explore the origins of the concerto, which was…