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
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 …
00:48:16 |
Tue 09 Mar 2021
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.
00:50:18 |
Tue 23 Feb 2021
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 …
00:39:39 |
Tue 09 Feb 2021
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.
00:30:34 |
Tue 26 Jan 2021
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 h…
She plays h…
00:30:29 |
Tue 12 Jan 2021
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 Yo…
00:30:17 |
Tue 29 Dec 2020
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.
00:44:37 |
Tue 15 Dec 2020
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 mu…
00:52:59 |
Tue 01 Dec 2020
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 omn…
01:02:29 |
Tue 17 Nov 2020
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 o…
00:46:10 |
Tue 03 Nov 2020
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 p…
00:44:59 |
Tue 20 Oct 2020
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 deta…
00:40:46 |
Tue 06 Oct 2020
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 music…
00:45:20 |
Tue 22 Sep 2020
The life of Beethoven
Discover the life and works of one classical music's greatest composers! His life was full of groundbreaking music, but it was also tragic as he dealt with family problems and hearing loss. We explor…
01:08:18 |
Tue 08 Sep 2020
Recommended summer listening
Expand your musical palate with music found in an attic in 2009, new interpretations of Beethoven and Franck, and an instrument you've probably never heard before.
00:10:54 |
Tue 30 Jun 2020
Lawrence Brownlee on equality in classical music
Brownlee talks about equality in classical music, his experience as a black man in the world of opera, and what we can do to encourage positive change towards a more diverse future in classical music…
00:24:00 |
Tue 16 Jun 2020
Haydn's lost cello concerto and its rediscovery
Haydn's 1st cello concerto was lost for 200 years and is now considered one of the greatest cello concertos of the 18th century. Dr. Greenwald tells us how music can go missing, we examine musical ex…
01:04:26 |
Tue 02 Jun 2020
NSO Principal Flute Aaron Goldman talks flute and shares his journey in music
When was the flute invented, how did it evolve, what does a bass flute sound like? Learn all this and more with Principal Flute of the National Symphony Orchestra, Aaron Goldman.
00:51:10 |
Tue 19 May 2020
Debussy's La Mer - Part 3
Debussy's La Mer is as imaginative and playful as it was in 1905, and while the original audience wasn't as receptive, it's become an orchestra staple over the last century. The final movement is cal…
00:17:52 |
Tue 05 May 2020
Debussy's La Mer - Part 2
The trumpet shines through in Jeux de Vagues, (Play of the Waves), the second movement of Debussy's La mer. This is part 2 of our 3 part series on Debussy's enchanting orchestral work, La Mer.
00:12:51 |
Tue 21 Apr 2020
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