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

Jun 15, 2021 · 42 min
What is a Viola? Daniel Foster, Principal Viola of the NSO tells us everything!
The viola is somewhat of an enigma and from a distance can be hard to tell apart from the violin. Daniel Foster explains how composers used the viola over the centuries, what his role as Principal Viola entails, and plays for us some extraordinary parts written for the viola. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 1, 2021 · 47 min
Berlioz Symphonie Fantastique. A story of obsession, betrayal, and execution.
Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 18, 2021 · 37 min
The Life of Johannes Brahms
He's considered one of the greatest composers of the 19th century. But can you hum a tune by Brahms? We dive into the life and music of Brahms to better understand what set him apart from others, how his personality affected his music, and how he still appears in popular music and commercials today. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 4, 2021 · 34 min
What is a Concerto?
Where did the concerto come from and how did it evolve? We explore its origins, development through Haydn and Mozart, some of the most challenging concertos of the 19th century, and a couple of "hidden gems." Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 20, 2021 · 42 min
Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition. A masterpiece and tribute to a friend.
This masterpiece, originally for piano, was inspired by the tragic loss of a friend, and Ravel's orchestration is a work of art in itself. While roughly half of the original pictures have been lost, we do have descriptions of the originals that give insight to Mussorgsky's music and Ravel's orchestration. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 6, 2021 · 40 min
What is a Bassoon? Sue Heineman, Principal Bassoon of the NSO, tells us everything!
How does a bassoon make a sound and what is its purpose? Principal Bassoonist of the National Symphony Orchestra Sue Heineman doesn't just tell us; she also plays her favorite moments and discusses how it all fits together in the orchestra. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mar 23, 2021 · 36 min
Appalachian Spring, an American classic by Aaron Copland
There is so much to discover about this masterpiece, like its collaborative and ballet origins, Copland's inventive use of an unknown folk tune, and even how it got its name. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mar 9, 2021 · 48 min
The Life of Bach
Today we know him as one of the greatest and most influential composers, but that wasn’t always the case. Learn how a teenager became responsible for Bach’s revival, how is music changed from job to job, and even how he wound up in jail for nearly a month! Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Feb 23, 2021 · 50 min
The life of Florence Price
Dr. Karen Walwyn discusses the life and music of Florence Price, the first woman African American composer to have a symphony played by a major orchestra in the United States. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Feb 9, 2021 · 39 min
Dvorak's Symphony No. 9 "From the New World." The origins and inspirations you didn't know.
There is a lot you may not know about the origins, inspirations and influencers when it comes to this masterpiece by Dvorak. We get into the details and music with examples from the latest recording from the National Symphony Orchestra and Maestro Noseda. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jan 26, 2021 · 30 min
It's fun and it's virtuosic! Exploring Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 21
You might not know this concerto by its number, but you're surely familiar with one of its aria-like melodies that has appeared in film and popular music. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jan 12, 2021 · 30 min
What does a Concertmaster really do? Concertmaster Nurit Bar-Josef of the NSO explains.
It's one of the most competitive positions in all of classical music. Learn more about the role of a concertmaster from Nurit Bar-Josef, Concertmaster of the National Symphony Orchestra. She plays her favorite concertmaster solos Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 29, 2020 · 30 min
The life of Strauss Jr. aka "The Waltz King"
His music is celebrated today, especially around New Year's, and his waltzes are bound to put a smile on your face. Learn about Strauss Jr.'s life, his music, and a surprising answer he gave a New York reporter about his visit to Boston. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 15, 2020 · 44 min
The Nutcracker, how it became a holiday classic, and what to listen for
This holiday classic has helped define the "Christmas" sound for generations, but there's more to the music than you think. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 1, 2020 · 52 min
Beethoven's Symphony No. 9
Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 was revolutionary, but if all you know is the "Ode to Joy" you are missing out! From it's opening notes to the final crescendo, join Bill Bukowski and John Banther for a musical deep dive into Beethoven's final symphony. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nov 17, 2020 · 1 hr 2 min
What is a string quartet?
Is it the ultimate test for a composer? Discover its origins and how this genre evolved over centuries with James Jacobs and John Banther. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nov 3, 2020 · 46 min
Beethoven's triumphant Symphony No. 5
There's a lot about this masterpiece you may not know. Nicole LaCroix joins John Banther to explore its premiere and unique musical moments. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 20, 2020 · 44 min
The life of Tchaikovsky
From his humble beginnings to becoming one of the greatest composers, explore the life and music of Tchaikovsky. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 6, 2020 · 40 min
What is an Overture?
Is an Overture defined by the kind of music it contains or simply where it appears in a concert? The answer can change throughout history, and with musical examples, John and Nicole get into the details of this "bite-size music." Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 22, 2020 · 45 min
Rimsky-Korsakov's enchanting Scheherazade
Discover the musical details and backstory of a work that's captivated listeners for over a century. John Banther and Linda Carducci discuss its origins and use their imagination to fill in the musical gaps. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Classical Breakdown

What is a Viola? Daniel Foster, Principal Viola of the NSO tells us everything!

Berlioz Symphonie Fantastique. A story of obsession, betrayal, and execution.

The Life of Johannes Brahms

What is a Concerto?

Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition. A masterpiece and tribute to a friend.

What is a Bassoon? Sue Heineman, Principal Bassoon of the NSO, tells us everything!

Appalachian Spring, an American classic by Aaron Copland

The Life of Bach

The life of Florence Price

Dvorak's Symphony No. 9 "From the New World." The origins and inspirations you didn't know.

It's fun and it's virtuosic! Exploring Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 21

What does a Concertmaster really do? Concertmaster Nurit Bar-Josef of the NSO explains.

The life of Strauss Jr. aka "The Waltz King"

The Nutcracker, how it became a holiday classic, and what to listen for

Beethoven's Symphony No. 9

What is a string quartet?

Beethoven's triumphant Symphony No. 5

The life of Tchaikovsky

What is an Overture?

Rimsky-Korsakov's enchanting Scheherazade