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

May 3, 2022 · 38 min
Ravel's Bolero with Joshua Weilerstein: A conductor's insight
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/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 19, 2022 · 32 min
Piano Transformed: The Life and Music of Frederic Chopin
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/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 5, 2022 · 46 min
All about that bass! With NSO Principal Bass Robert Oppelt
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/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mar 22, 2022 · 32 min
Louise Farrenc's Symphony No. 3: A hidden gem!
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/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mar 8, 2022 · 38 min
Clara Schumann: A story of stardom, passion, and courage
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/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Feb 22, 2022 · 31 min
Florence Price Symphony No. 1: An American Symphony
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/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Feb 8, 2022 · 47 min
George Walker: He wants you to play his music
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/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jan 25, 2022 · 29 min
Dvorak's Cello Concerto, 5 things to listen for!
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/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jan 11, 2022 · 32 min
How an orchestra creates a year of concerts, with NSO's Nigel Boon
Have you ever wondered how an orchestra puts a full season of concerts together? Nigel Boon, Director of Artistic Planning shows how he juggles multiple seasons of concerts involving many conductors, soloists, commissions, programs, and more! Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 28, 2021 · 40 min
The life and music of Robert Schumann
His music helped define the sound and direction of the Romantic period of the 19th century across different forms; like music for piano, song, chamber music, and symphonies. John Banther and Linda Carducci talk about characteristics to listen for in his music, why he became a composer, and how literature played a part in his works. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 14, 2021 · 34 min
Bach's Christmas Oratorio, what to listen for and know!
It's a holiday classic that is becoming more popular, especially in the Washington area. Bill Bukowski joins John Banther to explain everything we need to know in this masterpiece. From how it was originally performed, expected audience participation, and how Bach reused old music. Plus, we have some listener mail and a special Classical Breakdown challenge. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nov 30, 2021 · 36 min
Bernstein's West Side Story
Here is what to listen for, know, and appreciate when it comes to West Side Story before you watch the 2021 movie remake! Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nov 16, 2021 · 40 min
The life of William Grant Still
Known as the Dean of Afro-American Composers, William Grant Still wrote a variety of music, from symphony, opera, ballet, to popular song, and more. Gayle Murchinson, Associate Professor of Music at William and Mary, joins John Banther to discuss Still's life and explore his music across three aesthetics that she describes as Ultramodern, Racial, and Universal. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nov 2, 2021 · 28 min
Mozart's Clarinet Concerto
Composed in his final year, this concerto is one of Mozart's last and most enduring works. Nicole and John explore the origins of the concerto, which was originally for a slightly different and more obscure instrument. They also talk about what to listen for in each movement and even give a little music theory lesson to explore some unintended consequences in the music. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 19, 2021 · 42 min
The Life of Sergei Rachmaninoff
Linda and John uncover details about Rachmaninoff's life, like early influences that stayed with him his entire career, his comeback story after a disastrous symphony premiere, and what led to him emigrating to the United States. Plus, we hear some recordings of Rachmaninoff himself at the piano from the early 1900s. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 5, 2021 · 34 min
What is a Clarinet?
It's a popular instrument, but how much do you really know about the clarinet? Principal Clarinet of the National Symphony Orchestra, Lin Ma, joins John Banther to talk all about the clarinet. Lin tells us everything, from what it's made of, its predecessor, how it was used over time, and he even plays some of his favorite examples! Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 21, 2021 · 40 min
Tchaikovsky's triumphant Symphony No. 5
This symphony is one of the most popular and triumphant in the repertoire, and for good reason! It takes us on a journey using a simple melody that appears in every movement, transforming from the opening in E minor to the triumphant E Major finale. John and Bill go through Tchaikovsky's personal correspondence during the months he was writing the symphony, show you what to listen for, and teach you a compositional technique used still today. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 7, 2021 · 42 min
The Life of Leonard Bernstein
How much do you really know about one of America's most treasured artists? There is a lot to explore in his early life in Massachusetts, his meteoric rise to fame in New York, and the unique characteristics we find all over his music. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Aug 31, 2021 · 2 min
Season 3 starts September 7!
It's been a nice summer break, but we are excited to be back with your favorite classical music podcast! We kick things off on September 7 as Matthew Dayton joins John Banther to explore the life and music of Leonard Bernstein. The following episode, September 21, is all about one of the most popular symphonies, the No. 5 by Tchaikovsky. Bill Bukowski and John Banther explore the symphonies insecure origins and what to listen for in the music. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 29, 2021 · 19 min
New classical albums to listen to this summer!
We wrap up Season 2 of Classical Breakdown with some recommended recordings for you to explore this summer. These recently released albums feature a diverse range of composers, styles, ensembles, and even world premiere recordings. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Classical Breakdown

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

Piano Transformed: The Life and Music of Frederic Chopin

All about that bass! With NSO Principal Bass Robert Oppelt

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

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

Florence Price Symphony No. 1: An American Symphony

George Walker: He wants you to play his music

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

How an orchestra creates a year of concerts, with NSO's Nigel Boon

The life and music of Robert Schumann

Bach's Christmas Oratorio, what to listen for and know!

Bernstein's West Side Story

The life of William Grant Still

Mozart's Clarinet Concerto

The Life of Sergei Rachmaninoff

What is a Clarinet?

Tchaikovsky's triumphant Symphony No. 5

The Life of Leonard Bernstein

Season 3 starts September 7!

New classical albums to listen to this summer!