Classical Breakdown

By WETA Classical

What's Classical Breakdown about?

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.

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Classical Breakdown episodes:

04.30.2024
The 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, music, and incalculable influence, but also some of the criticism her legacy...
04.16.2024
Haydn'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 at the same time? And what if it is also bringing...
04.02.2024
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 time to trace the evolution of the piano and its...
03.19.2024
Joan 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 Banther and Evan Keely explore this concerto by one of the most successful and recorded...
03.05.2024
The 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 the National Symphony Orchestra at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. He...
02.20.2024
The 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 journey that began decades prior. Join us to learn how he...
02.06.2024
6 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 classicalbreakdown.org for more information on these composers, links to recordings, and links to...
01.23.2024
Korngold'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 things differently, which movies ended up in this concerto, and discuss why this...
01.09.2024
Episode 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 demonstrated their instruments, fascinating insights from guests, and our favorite moments from...
12.26.2023
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 events, and how he incorporates Finnish culture into music. Plus, what do Sibelius, Gilmore Girls, and...
12.12.2023
Augusta 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 life in the music, which operatic composer she's invoking, and...
11.28.2023
Opera 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 enduring musical art form. Plus, recommended listening for each time period along the way. ...
11.14.2023
Tchaikovsky’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 enthusiast James Jacobs show you what to listen for, how much Tchaikovsky loved...
10.31.2023
The 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 and Evan Keely explore her music, life events, give you 5 recommended works to...
10.17.2023
The 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 characteristics over the next 200 years. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener...
10.03.2023
Respighi'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 cutting-edge use of technology, how he uses ancient musical references, how he achieves...
09.19.2023
The 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 young. John Banther and James Jacobs explore Schubert's life, his unrivaled gift for...
09.05.2023
Rachmaninoff'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 learn what to listen for as we examine the music, personal letters, and even a recording of...
06.27.2023
Summer 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 to find out where you can listen to or purchase these albums. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm...
06.13.2023
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 what makes a theme and variations, 4 specific types to...
05.30.2023
The 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 all kinds of music, from symphonies, and concertos, to music for...
05.16.2023
Beethoven'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 complexities of the music, the unusual circumstances behind its creation, and what to listen for!...
05.02.2023
In 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 early musical experiences, preparing familiar works, the importance of recordings, ways to relax, and much more! Support...
04.18.2023
Mahler'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 Keely break down what made this symphony different, what to listen for, and why the journey...
04.04.2023
Fantasia: 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, and captured our hearts and imaginations for centuries. Support Classical Breakdown:...
03.21.2023
The 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 122-year-old recording of Chaminade herself! Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See...
03.07.2023
Women 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 the show notes page for more information on these composers and resources...
02.21.2023
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 this masterpiece and all the ways in which Ravel makes it...
02.07.2023
Joseph 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 conductor, he was also one of Europe's greatest fencers, and a military man who...
01.24.2023
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, and fascinating compositional techniques in search of answers to this enigmatic symphony. Support...
01.10.2023
Antonio 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 and appreciate the composer from a new angle. Support Classical Breakdown:...
12.27.2022
Brahms' Haydn Variations: Don't judge a theme by its composer!
Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
12.13.2022
A 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 eye. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
11.29.2022
George 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 things about him you didn't know before! Support Classical Breakdown:...
11.15.2022
WG 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 uniquely brought different styles of music together, new instruments in the orchestra,...
11.01.2022
The 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 hopped to along the way. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10.18.2022
Mozart y Mambo! Horn superstar Sarah Willis shows off her newest album
Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
10.04.2022
By 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 at the door and prepare to hear them in a new way. Plus,...
09.20.2022
Claude 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 his music in a whole new way. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See...
09.06.2022
Rachmaninoff'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 hidden in plain sight, moments to listen for, and what Rachmaninoff did to calm...
06.28.2022
Summer 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, or wherever! Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
06.14.2022
Grieg’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: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
05.31.2022
An 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 as they discuss the unique challenges she faced, her letters, late success in publishing, and...
05.17.2022
Under Pressure: What is an Oboe with Nick Stovall, NSO's Principal Oboe
Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
05.03.2022
Ravel'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 conductors, joins John Banther to offer his perspective on the music and...
04.19.2022
Piano 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 early life, relationships, new styles of music he wrote, what set him apart,...
04.05.2022
All 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 any other instrument, and more! Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See...
03.22.2022
Louise 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 sexism and the French attitude towards symphonies at the time, what to listen for,...
03.08.2022
Clara 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, education, and complicated career. Also, we share a heroic story of Clara you likely...
02.22.2022
Florence 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 to write, a hidden motif to listen for, Americana aspects of the...

What's Classical Breakdown about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Classical Breakdown episodes:

The Life of Nadia Boulanger: A Lasting Impact from Bernstein to Sesame Street

Haydn's masterpiece for 4 soloists and orchestra, the Sinfonia Concertante

The Evolution of the Piano: A Thousand Year Journey!

Joan Tower's Concerto for Orchestra, an adventure in color, illusion, and rhythm!

The secret life of a classical recording engineer: Meet WETA's Charles Lawson

The life and music of Antonin Dvořák; from humble beginnings to stardom!

6 recommended works by living Black composers!

Korngold's Violin Concerto, from the Golden Age of Hollywood!

Episode 100, let's celebrate!

Jean Sibelius, how a composer became the voice of a nation!

Augusta Holmès' Andromède; an epic Greek myth inspired symphonic poem!

Opera 101, everything you wanted to know but were afraid to ask!

Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet Overture: 3 themes and Shakespearean connections!

The inspiring life and music of Germaine Tailleferre: plus 5 recommended works!

The Nocturne, a journey from the 19th century to Daft Punk!

Respighi's The Pines of Rome: a picturesque tour of Rome!

The short yet musically prolific life of Franz Schubert

Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2: a musical comeback story!

Summer Listening Guide: 4 albums to expand your musical horizons!

Theme and Variations: 4 types and what to listen for!

The Illustrious Life and Music of Haydn: From hardship to stardom

Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5 "Emperor": Breaking expectations!

In conversation with Maestro Gianandrea Noseda: His journey, perspectives on music, conducting, and more!

Mahler's Symphony No. 1: A rewarding symphonic journey!

Fantasia: Music from the realm of imagination!

The life and music of Cecile Chaminade: Genius has no gender

Women in Music: 6 works by 6 composers you should know

Ravel's Piano Concerto for Left Hand: A masterpiece of musical illusions and creativity!

Joseph Bologne, the most interesting 18th century composer?

Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 6 "Pathetique": A symphony of unanswerable questions

Antonio Vivaldi's life, music, and the women who shaped his career

Brahms' Haydn Variations: Don't judge a theme by its composer!

A holiday gem: Margaret Bonds' The Ballad of the Brown King

George Frideric Handel: life of fame, musical style, and 3 things you didn't know before!

WG Still's Afro-American Symphony: Blues idioms, new instruments, and a uniquely American style

The Saxophone, everything you need to know about this unique genre-hopping instrument!

Mozart y Mambo! Horn superstar Sarah Willis shows off her newest album

By Listener Request: 3 deep dives into works by Pachelbel, Liszt, and Vaughan Williams

Claude Debussy: 4 points to hear his music in a new way!

Rachmaninoff's Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini: A Baltimore connection and hidden themes!

Summer Listening Guide: 4 albums to expand your musical horizons!

Grieg’s Piano Concerto: The Heart of Norway

An Unsung Heroine: The Life and Music of Fanny Mendelssohn

Under Pressure: What is an Oboe with Nick Stovall, NSO's Principal Oboe

Ravel's Bolero with Joshua Weilerstein: A conductor's insight

Piano Transformed: The Life and Music of Frederic Chopin

All about that bass! With NSO Principal Bass Robert Oppelt

Louise Farrenc's Symphony No. 3: A hidden gem!

Clara Schumann: A story of stardom, passion, and courage

Florence Price Symphony No. 1: An American Symphony