Classical Breakdown

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.