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 listen for, and a modern example using a theme you wouldn't expect! Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

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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Real and fictional characters come to life in this incredibly challenging work for piano that also includes musical puzzles. John Banther and Linda Carducci explore all the characters and how Schumann depicts them in music, the ciphers, discarded movements, and more. plus we enjoy a full performance of it by Sergei Rachmaninoff! Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Robert Schumann's Carnaval: A solo piano brings a masked ball to life!

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 has faced in the 45 years since her passing.  Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

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 in ideas from the symphony? John Banther and Evan Keely take a look at one of the defining works in the genre, show you what to listen for, and discuss why Haydn might have written it in the first place Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

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 various forms. Plus, why is it so fun to see pianos fall from high places?? Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Evolution of the Piano: A Thousand Year Journey!

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 American composers.  Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

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