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

Apr 4, 2023 · 34 min
Fantasia: Music from the realm of imagination!
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/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mar 21, 2023 · 43 min
The life and music of Cecile Chaminade: Genius has no gender
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/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mar 7, 2023 · 29 min
Women in Music: 6 works by 6 composers you should know
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/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Feb 21, 2023 · 29 min
Ravel's Piano Concerto for Left Hand: A masterpiece of musical illusions and creativity!
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/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Feb 7, 2023 · 30 min
Joseph Bologne, the most interesting 18th century composer?
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/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jan 24, 2023 · 45 min
Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 6 "Pathetique": A symphony of unanswerable questions
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/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jan 10, 2023 · 40 min
Antonio Vivaldi's life, music, and the women who shaped his career
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/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 27, 2022 · 36 min
Brahms' Haydn Variations: Don't judge a theme by its composer!
Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 13, 2022 · 30 min
A holiday gem: Margaret Bonds' The Ballad of the Brown King
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/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nov 29, 2022 · 41 min
George Frideric Handel: life of fame, musical style, and 3 things you didn't know before!
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/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nov 15, 2022 · 44 min
WG Still's Afro-American Symphony: Blues idioms, new instruments, and a uniquely American style
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/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nov 1, 2022 · 48 min
The Saxophone, everything you need to know about this unique genre-hopping instrument!
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/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 18, 2022 · 49 min
Mozart y Mambo! Horn superstar Sarah Willis shows off her newest album
Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 4, 2022 · 39 min
By Listener Request: 3 deep dives into works by Pachelbel, Liszt, and Vaughan Williams
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/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 20, 2022 · 43 min
Claude Debussy: 4 points to hear his music in a new way!
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/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 6, 2022 · 22 min
Rachmaninoff's Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini: A Baltimore connection and hidden themes!
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/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 28, 2022 · 20 min
Summer Listening Guide: 4 albums to expand your musical horizons!
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/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 14, 2022 · 57 min
Grieg’s Piano Concerto: The Heart of Norway
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/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 31, 2022 · 35 min
An Unsung Heroine: The Life and Music of Fanny Mendelssohn
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/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 17, 2022 · 50 min
Under Pressure: What is an Oboe with Nick Stovall, NSO's Principal Oboe
Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Classical Breakdown

Fantasia: Music from the realm of imagination!

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

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

Ravel's Piano Concerto for Left Hand: A masterpiece of musical illusions and creativity!

Joseph Bologne, the most interesting 18th century composer?

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

Antonio Vivaldi's life, music, and the women who shaped his career

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

A holiday gem: Margaret Bonds' The Ballad of the Brown King

George Frideric Handel: life of fame, musical style, and 3 things you didn't know before!

WG Still's Afro-American Symphony: Blues idioms, new instruments, and a uniquely American style

The Saxophone, everything you need to know about this unique genre-hopping instrument!

Mozart y Mambo! Horn superstar Sarah Willis shows off her newest album

By Listener Request: 3 deep dives into works by Pachelbel, Liszt, and Vaughan Williams

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

Rachmaninoff's Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini: A Baltimore connection and hidden themes!

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

Grieg’s Piano Concerto: The Heart of Norway

An Unsung Heroine: The Life and Music of Fanny Mendelssohn

Under Pressure: What is an Oboe with Nick Stovall, NSO's Principal Oboe