Classical Breakdown

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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165 episodes
Updated June 23

Episodes165

Newest first

Mar 5, 2024 · 1 hr 3 min
The secret life of a classical recording engineer: Meet WETA's Charles Lawson
Have you ever wondered how to record an orchestra but were too afraid to ask? Critically acclaimed recording engineer Charles Lawson spends his days recording the National Symphony Orchestra at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. He tells us how it all comes together, philosophy, and near disasters! Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Feb 20, 2024 · 1 hr 33 min
The life and music of Antonin Dvořák; from humble beginnings to stardom!
We'll enjoy his Symphony No. 9 "From the New World" at the end, but first we look at his influential and controversial time in the United States, itself a journey that began decades prior. Join us to learn how he was discovered, his musical styles, and some pretty funny stories! Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Feb 6, 2024 · 33 min
6 recommended works by living Black composers!
We celebrate the music of living Black composers with 6 recommended works spanning violin and piano to the full orchestra! Go to the show notes page at classicalbreakdown.org for more information on these composers, links to recordings, and links to resources. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jan 23, 2024 · 37 min
Korngold's Violin Concerto, from the Golden Age of Hollywood!
The sounds of Hollywood are found throughout this enduring concerto. John Banther and Evan Keely show you moments in the music to listen for, how Korngold does things differently, which movies ended up in this concerto, and discuss why this concerto has remained so popular! Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jan 9, 2024 · 1 hr 46 min
Episode 100, let's celebrate!
We have a full symphony by Mahler to listen to after we enjoy highlights from the past 99 episodes! Let's take time to experience again the musicians who demonstrated their instruments, fascinating insights from guests, and our favorite moments from over the years. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 26, 2023 · 40 min
Jean Sibelius, how a composer became the voice of a nation!
Few countries have elevated a composer like Finland and Jean Sibelius. John Banther and Evan Keely look into his breakout success, symphonies, dramatic life events, and how he incorporates Finnish culture into music. Plus, what do Sibelius, Gilmore Girls, and Lord of The Rings have in common? Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 12, 2023 · 28 min
Augusta Holmès' Andromède; an epic Greek myth inspired symphonic poem!
You may not recognize the composer or piece, but this is a work that deserves your attention! John Banther and Evan Keely explore the poem and how it comes to life in the music, which operatic composer she's invoking, and why sea monsters have such short musical motifs. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nov 28, 2023 · 1 hr
Opera 101, everything you wanted to know but were afraid to ask!
Feeling dramatic? Opera has you covered! John Banther and Linda Carducci go on a journey through time on the origins, evolution, and dramatic moments of this enduring musical art form. Plus, recommended listening for each time period along the way. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nov 14, 2023 · 32 min
Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet Overture: 3 themes and Shakespearean connections!
It's one of the more familiar works in the repertoire, but how well do you know the 3 major themes and Shakespearean connections? John Banther and Shakespeare enthusiast James Jacobs show you what to listen for, how much Tchaikovsky loved Shakespeare, theatrical elements in the music, and more! Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 31, 2023 · 40 min
The inspiring life and music of Germaine Tailleferre: plus 5 recommended works!
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/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 17, 2023 · 27 min
The Nocturne, a journey from the 19th century to Daft Punk!
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/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 3, 2023 · 36 min
Respighi's The Pines of Rome: a picturesque tour of Rome!
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/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 19, 2023 · 45 min
The short yet musically prolific life of Franz Schubert
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/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 5, 2023 · 38 min
Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2: a musical comeback story!
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/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 27, 2023 · 25 min
Summer Listening Guide: 4 albums to expand your musical horizons!
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/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 13, 2023 · 32 min
Theme and Variations: 4 types and what to listen for!
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.
May 30, 2023 · 1 hr 21 min
The Illustrious Life and Music of Haydn: From hardship to stardom
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/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 16, 2023 · 42 min
Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5 "Emperor": Breaking expectations!
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/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 2, 2023 · 1 hr 1 min
In conversation with Maestro Gianandrea Noseda: His journey, perspectives on music, conducting, and more!
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/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 18, 2023 · 50 min
Mahler's Symphony No. 1: A rewarding symphonic journey!
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/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Classical Breakdown

The secret life of a classical recording engineer: Meet WETA's Charles Lawson

The life and music of Antonin Dvořák; from humble beginnings to stardom!

6 recommended works by living Black composers!

Korngold's Violin Concerto, from the Golden Age of Hollywood!

Episode 100, let's celebrate!

Jean Sibelius, how a composer became the voice of a nation!

Augusta Holmès' Andromède; an epic Greek myth inspired symphonic poem!

Opera 101, everything you wanted to know but were afraid to ask!

Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet Overture: 3 themes and Shakespearean connections!

The inspiring life and music of Germaine Tailleferre: plus 5 recommended works!

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

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

The short yet musically prolific life of Franz Schubert

Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2: a musical comeback story!

Summer Listening Guide: 4 albums to expand your musical horizons!

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

The Illustrious Life and Music of Haydn: From hardship to stardom

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

In conversation with Maestro Gianandrea Noseda: His journey, perspectives on music, conducting, and more!

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