Classical Breakdown
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.
Episodes
Season 7 Recommended Summer Listening!
It's time again to look at some recently recorded albums for us to enjoy and grow with this summer. John Banther has 4 albums to recommend, and one of them includes a remarkable composer's story!
Tosca! Puccini's tragic opera on love, lust, and brutality
Why watch a thriller on a Friday night when you can watch the dramatic and compact "blood and guts" opera by Puccini that is... Tosca! John Banther and Linda Carducci give you the historical and cultural context to the plot, show you specific themes hidden throughout, and highlight 4 show-stopping moments.
The Montgomery Variations: A Piece of American History by Margaret Bonds
Music can be just as much of a historical document as letters or legislation, and we see that directly in this episode with music by Bonds written in 1963. John Banther and Evan Keely show you what to listen for, how Bonds adapts a well-known melody, the historical context, and more.
Haydn's Trumpet Concerto: Revolutionary in ways you didn't know!
There is so much more to this humble concerto than you realize, because the context of hearing a trumpet do something unheard of before has been lost. We show you what made this concerto possible, how Haydn was revolutionary, and why each recording is a little bit different.
Leos Janacek: an original composer who found success late
Another listener request! John Banther and Bill Bukowski explore the life of Leos Janacek and look at 2 specific subjects to understand this composer's original sound, speech melodies and modality.
Bonus! John and James discuss Eine Kleine Nachtmusik and gigs
John Banther and James Jacobs discuss Mozart's Eine Kleine Nachtmusik and performing it at gigs, which for James reaches into the hundreds at weddings! Plus, we enjoy a full performance with the Berlin Philharmonic.
Also Sprach Zarathustra: Where Music and Philosophy Reach New Heights
You know the opening of this work through its countless use in movies, commercials, and even popular music. But do you know the underlying philosophy that inspired Strauss? John Banther and Evan Keely show you how themes transform from beginning to end in an effort to reach the Übermensch!
Bonus! 2 Opera preludes by Richard Wagner
Let's enjoy two iconic Wagner preludes in two larger-than-life recordings featuring the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra and conductor Bernard Haitink!
Richard Wagner: The flawed man who changed opera
This composer's life was tumultuous and sometimes straight out of a soap opera. John Banther and Evan Keely explore what led him to opera, his initial success and failures, his bigoted "Judaism in Music" essay, and how his Ring Cycle changed everything.
Bonus! 3 Preludes and Fugues from the Well-Tampered Clavier Book 1 by Sam Post
Listen to Ralitza Patcheva and Sam Post in their latest recording, featuring a rhythmic reimaging of JS Bach. If you missed last week's episode, listen afterwards to learn all about this project from beginning to end. Music provided by (c) Acis Productions LLC. All rights reserved
The Well-TAMPERED Clavier: A rhythmic reimagining of JS Bach by Sam Post
JS Bach was experimental, and that spirit has carried on into the 21st century with composers and pianists like Sam Post and Ralitza Patcheva. While Bach was experimenting with using all 12 major and minor keys at a single keyboard, Sam Post's rhythmic reimagining brings together elements that didn't exist in Bach's time.
Brahms Symphony No. 3: Perfection in Orchestration and Form
The first symphonies came from a place of insecurity, but his 3rd exudes confidence from the first note to the last. John Banther and Evan Keely show you what to listen for in Brahms' orchestration, how he uses compositional tools to create new melodies, sonata form basics, and the rivalry that took place the night of the premiere.
3 Composers lost to Tyranny
A hallmark of tyranny is its desire to control and stifle creative expression. In this episode, in memory of Lubna Alyaan, John Banther and Evan Keely explore three 20th-century composers, what happened to them, and select works that demand your attention.
Meet Grammy-Winning Composer Jessie Montgomery!
Jessie Montgomery and John Banther discuss her popular works, her time writing for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Blacknificent 7 composer group, and her early artistic influences.
A performance of Carnival of the Animals featuring Argerich and Freire!
Enjoy this performance after listening to the previous episode all about Carnival of the Animals by Saint-Saens. (Elephant image: By Muhammad Mahdi Karim)
Carnival of the Animals, a work of genius kept hidden (plus animal facts!)
One of the most endearing works in music was also hidden for years because the composer worried about his reputation. John Banther and Evan Keely explore the world of animals, how Saint-Saëns brings them to life, and why you have to play bad to sound good!
Bonus episode: Ballet music from 2 operas by Verdi!
Different audiences have different tastes, and you can't always serve them the same dish. If Verdi wanted his grand operas to be staged in Paris, he needed to include ballet. In this bonus episode, we'll hear two ballet sections from two different operas, sometimes composed decades later.
Giuseppe Verdi: A life of drama, censorship, and even farming!
This composer wrote operas almost exclusively, and his 19th-century success and popularity are hard to grasp even today. John Banther and Linda Carducci explore his life, his upward rise, the tragedies, and how he provided the sound for Italy's "Risorgimento!"
Jean Sibelius' Violin Concerto, one of the most challenging works for violin!
This concerto is one of the most daunting in the repertoire, and almost every big soloist aims to lay down their interpretation. But what makes this work so difficult? Is it the written music or is it something else? John Banther and Evan Keely show you what to listen for, how Sibelius does things differently, a moment from a masterclass, and what went wrong in the premiere.
A performance of Emilie Mayer's Cello Sonata in D minor featuring Grace Mockus
In the episode on Emilie Mayer's life and music, we briefly discussed her wonderful writing for cello, and we get to experience it firsthand in this bonus episode. Juilliard Graduate student, Grace Mockus, is working on publishing her critical edition of Emilie Mayer's Cello Sonata in D minor! After listening to this, you can find more performances of Grace Mockus on YouTube.
Emilie Mayer; Rediscovering a celebrated 19th-century composer
She didn't have a typical upbringing like other composers, and forged her own way with private teachers and determination. John Banther and Evan Keely explore the wide range of repertoire she composed, from symphonies to songs, and look at events that changed the trajectory of her life and career.
Clara Wieck Schumann's Piano Concerto; a teenage work of genius
This, the only orchestral output from Clara Wieck, might be one of the few 19th-century concertos written by a teenager that still occupies the concert stage today, and its popularity is only increasing. Join hosts John Banther and Linda Carducci to explore its youthful origins, characteristics of her writing, the size of her hands, and her big concert premiere.
Adolphus Hailstork, an American composer writing for our time
Hailstork has been writing music and teaching for over 5 decades, and his work has documented in music major American moments, from the bicentennial, 9/11, George Floyd, and even infrastructure. John Banther and Evan Keely explore his life, studies with Boulanger, his military experience, and look at 3 works from orchestral to choral that demonstrate his style.
Death in music! 10 works that explore life’s final question
Death has been depicted in music to console, frighten, warn, and entertain for over 400 years. In fact, the most quoted motif about death is also the oldest, and you know it intimately whether you realize it or not! John Banther and Evan Keely take you on a deathly trip over 10 works and a bonus.
Bonus episode! 3 select performances of guitarist Xuefei Yang
I'm excited to bring you more from Xuefei Yang with these three performances taken from her YouTube channel (where you will find plenty more performances!).
Xuefei Yang performs Erik Satie and shares insight into her new album!
She is one of today's great living guitarists, and in this episode, she tells us all about her new album Chapeu Satie. Xuefei explains how she approaches transcribing and arranging for the guitar, why she chose to include flute and voice, and performs a work from her new album at the end, too!
Beethoven's Symphony No. 3 "Eroica", Rejecting Napoleon and Charting a New Path!
Beethoven pushed the symphonic form in a new direction with this heroic work that sounds larger than the sum of its parts. John Banther and Evan Keely show you what to listen for, how it pushed boundaries in 19th-century music, the famous Napoleon dedication, and more!Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Great World of Percussion with Chris DeChiara: From bones and war drums to symphonies!
Think you can play the triangle? Think again! In our biggest episode yet, we explore the big world of percussion with Chris DeChiara. Using composers from Beethoven to Ozzy Osborne, he demonstrates over a dozen instruments and shares insider secrets as to what goes on in the back row. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Bonus episode! A performance of a suite from the ballet Daphnis and Chloe by Maurice Ravel
Who doesn't love more music? Starting this season, we'll be releasing occasional bonus episodes. We kick it off with a great performance of a suite from Ravel's ballet Daphnis and Chloe. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Maurice Ravel at 150: celebrating his life, music, and influence!
This composer had way more impact on the 20th century than you realize! Join us as we celebrate his life at 150 and look at how he achieved this unique sound, why he was kicked out of school twice, and enjoy a performance of his string quartet. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Recommended listening; 4 new albums to listen to this summer!
It's the final episode of Season 6, and per tradition, it's an episode with recommended summer listening. Thank you very much for listening, rating, and sharing the podcast as it continues to grow year after year with your help! In this episode, there 4 albums to explore, taking us on a journey to ancient cities, flirtatious oboe playing, an emotional rollercoaster, and more!Support Classical Brea
Mahler's Symphony No. 5, a story of uncertainty and triumph
This work marks a departure from his previous symphonies, which were linked together by vocal music. But what is this? Is this Mahler working through his mortality and uncertainty, or something else? John Banther and Evan Keely show you what to listen for, how Mahler achieves his unique sound, and what it could all mean. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com
Felix Mendelssohn: A prodigy, inventor, and visionary!
Join us to explore Felix Mendelssohn's life through 4 different aspects of life that separated him from nearly every other composer. John Banther and James Jacobs explore his life, what made him different, and enjoy a full performance of one of his iconic works too!Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Verdi's Rigoletto: Unforgettable tunes, tragedy, and a new concept in opera
Verdi considered this character worthy of a Shakespearean tragedy, and he delivers just that! John Banther and Linda Carducci explore Verdi's masterpiece and show you what to listen for, intricacies of the characters and plot, the banned origin story, and so much more. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
John Williams: a defining American composer that goes beyond the silver screen
You knew this composer before you knew his name, and he has shaped the sound of movies and childhoods for generations. Join us to learn about aspects of his life you didn't know, like his early career and first film scores, influences, nonfilm work, and more!Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Shostakovich's Symphony No. 5: a symphony of bravery, intrigue, and survival
Few other works in the canon occupy a place like this symphony by Dmitri Shostakovich. John Banther and Evan Keely dive into history as they show you what to listen for, Shostakovich's perilous circumstances, and what clues he could have left for all of us in the music.Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
An update on Florence Price!
I have a special update for you on Florence Price because of the hard work of a particular listener and a previous guest. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The most difficult music for piano: Gaspard de la Nuit by Maurice Ravel
Ravel wrote something so difficult he couldn't even play it, and he even dared to criticize others' performances! Linda Carducci and John Banther dive into a work that challenges the most virtuosic of soloists, its frightening accompanying poetry, and what exactly makes it so difficult. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Future is Female: Exploring Clarice Assad and the Boulanger Initiative with Laura Colgate
Discover contemporary works by living Brazillian composer Clarice Assad that cover chamber music, solo piano, and orchestra. Then Co-Founder Laura Colgate tells us everything we need to know about and how you can benefit from the Boulanger Initiative, which advocates for women and gender-marginalized composers.Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for pr
Ethel Smyth's Mass in D: A 19th century mass by an extraordinary woman!
Conductor Steven Fox joins John Banther to talk about this Mass that was overlooked after its premiere in 1893. Fox tells us everything we need to know about a mass, what to listen for, and how Ethel Smyth's mass stands apart. We also touch on her life as she was an aggressive suffragette, women's rights advocate, and openly bisexual composer in the 19th and early 20th centuries.Support Classical
Olly Wilson, an American composer that will change how you hear music!
This American composer was a pioneer in electronic music, commissioned works with major orchestras, and did groundbreaking work in musicology connecting music traditions from West Africa to the United States. John Banther and Evan Keely explore 3 of his works and look at his work in musicology that will change how you hear music!Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.
Carlos Simon's Songs of Separation: An American song cycle set to poetry of Rumi
Explore the different emotional aspects of loss, grief, and separation in this orchestral song cycle by Kenedy Center composer-in-residence Carlos Simon. John Banther and Evan Keely explore the text by Rumi, how Simon pairs this directly in the music, and moments to listen for!Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lincoln Portrait: Aaron Copland's defense of Democracy
Music was used in World War 2 like never before, from propaganda to national pride. John Banther and Evan Keely explore Copland's musical effort to rally a defense for democracy using Abraham Lincoln's timeless words and examine why it was banned from a Presidential inauguration. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Chris Gekker tells us everything about the trumpet!
We take a glimpse into the massive world and history of the trumpet! From its use in military battles and physical dangers to beautifully soft moments on the stage, world-renowned trumpeter and teacher Chris Gekker joins John Banther for a wide-ranging discussion on the trumpet, and he plays examples for us too!Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for p
Your Guide to JS Bach's Cello Suites!
WETA resident cello player James Jacobs joins John Banther for a deep dive into the 6 iconic cello suites by JS Bach. With cello in hand, James demonstrates different aspects of the suites and shows us what to listen for, plus we enjoy a full recording performance of one of the suites at the end!Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informati
Aaron Copland: The Sound of America
One of the most iconic American composers was at one point even considered by some to be "un-American." John Banther and Evan Keely explore Copland's life, works you probably don't know, what influenced him, how he created an "American" sound, and why he was questioned at length in a senate subcommittee hearing in 1953. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/liste
Dora Pejačević's Symphony in F# minor; Croatia's very first symphony!
We get a rare opportunity to look at a country's first symphony, and it wasn't written until 1917! John and Evan explore Pejačević's symphony and show you what to listen for, what sets her symphony apart from others of the time, and how WWI directly affected her and this very work. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Life and Music of Gioachino Rossini: An overnight success, foodie, and opera sensation
Few composers were an overnight sensation like Gioachino Rossini! We have 3 musical characteristics of his to show you as we explore his life, travels, his love of food, and why he might have quit at the height of his fame at age 37. Plus, stay with us to the end for the Rossini cocktail!Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Beethoven’s iconic Violin Concerto: what to listen for and why it was an initial flop!
Why was the premiere a failure, and how did it get back into the repertoire? John Banther and Evan Keely uncover unique characteristics in this concerto, what to listen for, and its beguiling opening!Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The horn: Everything you need to know from Mozart, Mahler, to the movie screen!
One of the oldest instruments and one of the most beloved has to be the horn! Chandra Cervantes, one of the most in-demand horn players in the DC area, tells all about its development and use in music, plus, she plays for us some iconic music on the horn. You can find videos and recordings of her playing on the show notes page at classicalbreakdown.org. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.or
The lives and music of Silvestre Revueltas and Gabriela Lena Frank
We explore two influential composers in this episode that you need to know; Silvestre Revueltas and Gabriela Lena Frank. John Banther and Evan Keely highlight works from both composers, aspects of their lives, and what to listen for in their music! Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Great Unfinished Works
From government intrigue, untimely death, or even distraction, there are many reasons why a composer might leave a work unfinished. John Banther and Linda Carducci dive into 5 unfinished works, how they are performed today, look at the surrounding circumstances, and discuss what we could have done to get these works completed in the first place!Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatef
Bruckner's Symphony No. 4 "Romantic"; a monumental masterpiece!
We hear a full performance of this iconic symphony at the end of the episode. John and Evan break down everything you need to know, the "Bruckner problem," and show you what to listen for!Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Recommended listening; 4 new albums to listen to this summer!
Can you believe it that summer is already here? This is the final episode of Season 5 and I have 4 recently released albums you need to listen to wherever the summer takes you!Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Elgar's Enigma Variations, a portrait of friends, life, and love!
We enjoy a full performance of the Enigma Variations at the end of the episode, but first, we get into the people and places depicted in colorful detail in Elgar's masterpiece. John Banther and Evan Keely uncover hidden clues in the music, the types of people Elgar depicts, and what the Enigma could possibly be (but isn't).Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/li
Robert Schumann's Carnaval: A solo piano brings a masked ball to life!
Real and fictional characters come to life in this incredibly challenging work for piano that also includes musical puzzles. John Banther and Linda Carducci explore all the characters and how Schumann depicts them in music, the ciphers, discarded movements, and more. plus we enjoy a full performance of it by Sergei Rachmaninoff!Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.c
The Life of Nadia Boulanger: A Lasting Impact from Bernstein to Sesame Street
She might have been the most influential person in music of the 20th century, and few would argue with you. John Banther and Evan Keely explore her life, music, and incalculable influence, but also some of the criticism her legacy has faced in the 45 years since her passing. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Haydn's masterpiece for 4 soloists and orchestra, the Sinfonia Concertante
We've come to know the concerto as a work showcasing a single soloist with (or sometimes against) an orchestra, but what if a work has not 1... but 4 soloists at the same time? And what if it is also bringing in ideas from the symphony? John Banther and Evan Keely take a look at one of the defining works in the genre, show you what to listen for, and discuss why Haydn might have written it in the
The Evolution of the Piano: A Thousand Year Journey!
It's one of the most common musical instruments, but where did it come from and how did we get here? John Banther and Linda Carducci go on a journey through time to trace the evolution of the piano and its various forms. Plus, why is it so fun to see pianos fall from high places??Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Joan Tower's Concerto for Orchestra, an adventure in color, illusion, and rhythm!
There aren't that many examples of a "concerto" for orchestra, and in Joan Tower's, it's an electrifying world of rhythm, motion, and even deception! John Banther and Evan Keely explore this concerto by one of the most successful and recorded American composers. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener fo
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/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information
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/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informa
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/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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