Classical Breakdown

Classical Breakdown

By WETA Classical

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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Best of Classical Breakdown

The most played episodes among Podcast App listeners.

  1. Number 1: The Montgomery Variations: A Piece of American History by Margaret Bonds

    Music can be just as much of a historical document as letters or legislation, and we see that directly in this episode with music by Bonds written in 1963. John Banther and Evan Keely show you what to listen for, how Bonds adapts a well-known melody, the historical context, and more.

    1h 2min
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  2. Number 2: Haydn's Trumpet Concerto: Revolutionary in ways you didn't know!

    There is so much more to this humble concerto than you realize, because the context of hearing a trumpet do something unheard of before has been lost. We show you what made this concerto possible, how Haydn was revolutionary, and why each recording is a little bit different.

    51min
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  3. Number 3: Leos Janacek: an original composer who found success late

    Another listener request! John Banther and Bill Bukowski explore the life of Leos Janacek and look at 2 specific subjects to understand this composer's original sound, speech melodies and modality.

    54min
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  4. Number 4: Richard Wagner: The flawed man who changed opera

    This composer's life was tumultuous and sometimes straight out of a soap opera. John Banther and Evan Keely explore what led him to opera, his initial success and failures, his bigoted "Judaism in Music" essay, and how his Ring Cycle changed everything.

    1h 19min
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  5. Number 5: Season 7 Recommended Summer Listening!

    It's time again to look at some recently recorded albums for us to enjoy and grow with this summer. John Banther has 4 albums to recommend, and one of them includes a remarkable composer's story!

    34min
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The podcast currently has 172 episodes available.

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