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PODCAST

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.

music music commentary

All Episodes

40:25

The inspiring life and music of Germaine Tailleferre:...

Classical Breakdown ·

2023/10/31

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 listen to!Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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27:34

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

Classical Breakdown ·

2023/10/17

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/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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36:17

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

Classical Breakdown ·

2023/10/03

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 some of these unique timbres, and more!Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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45:12

The short yet musically prolific life of Franz Schubert

Classical Breakdown ·

2023/09/19

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 melody, efficiency with composing, his arrest, and more!Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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38:48

Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2: a musical...

Classical Breakdown ·

2023/09/05

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 the composer himself at the piano. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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25:09

Summer Listening Guide: 4 albums to expand your...

Classical Breakdown ·

2023/06/27

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/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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32:36

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

Classical Breakdown ·

2023/06/13

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/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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81:38

The Illustrious Life and Music of Haydn: From...

Classical Breakdown ·

2023/05/30

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 clocks. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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42:05

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

Classical Breakdown ·

2023/05/16

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!Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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61:41

In conversation with Maestro Gianandrea Noseda: His...

Classical Breakdown ·

2023/05/02

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 Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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50:43

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

Classical Breakdown ·

2023/04/18

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 is worth the test of patience!Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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34:30

Fantasia: Music from the realm of imagination!

Classical Breakdown ·

2023/04/04

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: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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43:28

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

Classical Breakdown ·

2023/03/21

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/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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29:54

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

Classical Breakdown ·

2023/03/07

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 to find more.Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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29:48

Ravel's Piano Concerto for Left Hand: A masterpiece...

Classical Breakdown ·

2023/02/21

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 sound larger than its parts. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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30:47

Joseph Bologne, the most interesting 18th century...

Classical Breakdown ·

2023/02/07

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 led a legion in the French Revolution.Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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45:53

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

Classical Breakdown ·

2023/01/24

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 Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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40:39

Antonio Vivaldi's life, music, and the women who...

Classical Breakdown ·

2023/01/10

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: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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36:00

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

Classical Breakdown ·

2022/12/27

Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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30:21

A holiday gem: Margaret Bonds' The Ballad of the...

Classical Breakdown ·

2022/12/13

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/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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155 results

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