Classical Breakdown

WETA Classical
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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.

  1. Meet Grammy-Winning Composer Jessie Montgomery!

    3 FEB

    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.

    40 min
  2. A performance of Carnival of the Animals featuring Argerich and Freire!

    27 ENE · CONTENIDO EXTRA

    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)

    26 min
  3. Carnival of the Animals, a work of genius kept hidden (plus animal facts!)

    20 ENE

    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!

    1 h 3 min

  4. 13 ENE · CONTENIDO EXTRA

    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.

    18 min
  5. Giuseppe Verdi: A life of drama, censorship, and even farming!

    6 ENE

    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!"

    58 min
  6. Jean Sibelius' Violin Concerto, one of the most challenging works for violin!

    23/12/2025

    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.

    52 min

  7. 16/12/2025 · CONTENIDO EXTRA

    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.

    28 min
  8. Emilie Mayer; Rediscovering a celebrated 19th-century composer

    09/12/2025

    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.

    45 min
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Información

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.

Ficha técnica

  • Creado por
    WETA Classical
  • Años en activo
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodios
    153
  • Clasificación
    Apto
  • Derechos de autor
    © 2025 WETA Classical
  • Sitio web del podcast
    Classical Breakdown

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