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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

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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41:18

George Frideric Handel: life of fame, musical style,...

Classical Breakdown ·

2022/11/29

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

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44:44

WG Still's Afro-American Symphony: Blues idioms, new...

Classical Breakdown ·

2022/11/15

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

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48:11

The Saxophone, everything you need to know about this...

Classical Breakdown ·

2022/11/01

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/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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49:57

Mozart y Mambo! Horn superstar Sarah Willis shows off...

Classical Breakdown ·

2022/10/18

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

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39:45

By Listener Request: 3 deep dives into works by...

Classical Breakdown ·

2022/10/04

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, we also do a little Q&A at the end of the show. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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43:43

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

Classical Breakdown ·

2022/09/20

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/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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22:40

Rachmaninoff's Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini: A...

Classical Breakdown ·

2022/09/06

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 his nerves the night of the premiere!Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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20:03

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

Classical Breakdown ·

2022/06/28

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/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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57:16

Grieg’s Piano Concerto: The Heart of Norway

Classical Breakdown ·

2022/06/14

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/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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35:43

An Unsung Heroine: The Life and Music of Fanny...

Classical Breakdown ·

2022/05/31

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

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50:17

Under Pressure: What is an Oboe with Nick Stovall,...

Classical Breakdown ·

2022/05/17

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

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38:06

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

Classical Breakdown ·

2022/05/03

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 all the details that need to be addressed to pull it off in performance.Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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32:38

Piano Transformed: The Life and Music of Frederic Chopin

Classical Breakdown ·

2022/04/19

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

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46:51

All about that bass! With NSO Principal Bass Robert...

Classical Breakdown ·

2022/04/05

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/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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32:45

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

Classical Breakdown ·

2022/03/22

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, influences, and her unique orchestration.Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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38:49

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

Classical Breakdown ·

2022/03/08

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 haven't heard before!Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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31:09

Florence Price Symphony No. 1: An American Symphony

Classical Breakdown ·

2022/02/22

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

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47:29

George Walker: He wants you to play his music

Classical Breakdown ·

2022/02/08

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, joins John Banther to discuss his life, challenges, and three works you need to listen to.Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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29:59

Dvorak's Cello Concerto, 5 things to listen for!

Classical Breakdown ·

2022/01/25

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 you 5 things to listen for in this masterpiece that you've either missed or could experience differently.Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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156 results

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