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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

00:53:47

William Schuman: The composer that shaped Juilliard,...

Classical Breakdown ·

2026/09/29

Why is it that this composer's name is probably not known to you? John Banther and Evan Keely explore some of his extraordinary music and achievements in the arts, including how he shaped art institutions and his very unusual start in composing music.

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00:38:18

What is a Harp with Nadia Pessoa: Ancient origins to...

Classical Breakdown ·

2026/09/15

Not too many instruments in the orchestra have a history that spans the centuries, and use of the harp! Nadia Pessoa, a Washington, DC-area harpist, shares with us the harp's use in the orchestra from around 1600 to now, answers John's burning questions, and plays for us, including a recent viral tune on the harp.

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00:49:20

Bonus! A performance of Handel's Water Music

Classical Breakdown ·

2026/09/08

Enjoy a Concertgebouw Chamber Orchestra recording of the music we learned about last week, plus a listener comment that helps clarify the situation after Queen Anne's death!

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00:48:12

Handel's Water Music; a Kings bid to lift his...

Classical Breakdown ·

2026/09/01

Why did Handel write this, and what would it have been like on the river's edge? John Banther and Linda Carducci explore how Handel went above and beyond for a King and even what it would have been like for the musicians.

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00:33:29

Season 7 Recommended Summer Listening!

Classical Breakdown ·

2026/06/23

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!

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01:14:47

Tosca! Puccini's tragic opera on love, lust, and...

Classical Breakdown ·

2026/06/09

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01:01:26

The Montgomery Variations: A Piece of American...

Classical Breakdown ·

2026/05/26

Music can be just as much of a historical document as letters or legislation, and we see that directly in this episode with music by Bonds written in 1963.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.

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00:50:32

Haydn's Trumpet Concerto: Revolutionary in ways you...

Classical Breakdown ·

2026/05/12

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.

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00:53:20

Leos Janacek: an original composer who found success...

Classical Breakdown ·

2026/04/28

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.

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00:27:49

Bonus! John and James discuss Eine Kleine Nachtmusik...

Classical Breakdown ·

2026/04/21

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00:53:08

Also Sprach Zarathustra: Where Music and Philosophy...

Classical Breakdown ·

2026/04/14

You know the opening of this work through its countless use in movies, commercials, and even popular music. But do you know the underlying philosophy that inspired Strauss? John Banther and Evan Keely show you how themes transform from beginning to end in an effort to reach the Übermensch!

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00:24:06

Bonus! 2 Opera preludes by Richard Wagner

Classical Breakdown ·

2026/04/07

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01:18:39

Richard Wagner: The flawed man who changed opera

Classical Breakdown ·

2026/03/31

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00:14:32

Bonus! 3 Preludes and Fugues from the Well-Tampered...

Classical Breakdown ·

2026/03/24

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00:44:21

The Well-TAMPERED Clavier: A rhythmic reimagining of...

Classical Breakdown ·

2026/03/17

JS Bach was experimental, and that spirit has carried on into the 21st century with composers and pianists like Sam Post and Ralitza Patcheva. While Bach was experimenting with using all 12 major and minor keys at a single keyboard, Sam Post's rhythmic reimagining brings together elements that didn't exist in Bach's time.

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00:51:04

Brahms Symphony No. 3: Perfection in Orchestration...

Classical Breakdown ·

2026/03/03

The first symphonies came from a place of insecurity, but his 3rd exudes confidence from the first note to the last. John Banther and Evan Keely show you what to listen for in Brahms' orchestration, how he uses compositional tools to create new melodies, sonata form basics, and the rivalry that took place the night of the premiere.

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00:43:15

3 Composers lost to Tyranny

Classical Breakdown ·

2026/02/17

A hallmark of tyranny is its desire to control and stifle creative expression. In this episode, in memory of Lubna Alyaan, John Banther and Evan Keely explore three 20th-century composers, what happened to them, and select works that demand your attention.

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00:40:05

Meet Grammy-Winning Composer Jessie Montgomery!

Classical Breakdown ·

2026/02/03

Jessie Montgomery and John Banther discuss her popular works, her time writing for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Blacknificent 7 composer group, and her early artistic influences.

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00:25:35

A performance of Carnival of the Animals featuring...

Classical Breakdown ·

2026/01/27

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01:02:54

Carnival of the Animals, a work of genius kept hidden...

Classical Breakdown ·

2026/01/20

One of the most endearing works in music was also hidden for years because the composer worried about his reputation. John Banther and Evan Keely explore the world of animals, how Saint-Saëns brings them to life, and why you have to play bad to sound good!

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