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.
- Update frequency
- every 14 days
- Average duration
- 43 minutes
- Episodes
- 138
- Years Active
- 2019 - 2025
Brahms' Haydn Variations: Don't judge a theme by its composer!
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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.
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!
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 musi…
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.
Mozart y Mambo! Horn superstar Sarah Willis shows off her newest album
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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…
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.
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 fo…
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!
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.
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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…
Under Pressure: What is an Oboe with Nick Stovall, NSO's Principal Oboe
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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 …
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 mu…
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!
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 symp…
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, …
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, A…
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, ch…