Classical Breakdown

WETA Classical
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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.

  1. Ethel Smyth's Mass in D: A 19th century mass by an extraordinary woman!

    1 HR AGO

    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 Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    57 min
  2. Olly Wilson, an American composer that will change how you hear music!

    18 FEB

    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/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    41 min
  3. Carlos Simon's Songs of Separation: An American song cycle set to poetry of Rumi

    4 FEB

    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/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    47 min
  4. Lincoln Portrait: Aaron Copland's defense of Democracy

    21 JAN

    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/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    45 min
  5. Chris Gekker tells us everything about the trumpet!

    7 JAN

    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/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1h 2m
  6. Your Guide to JS Bach's Cello Suites!

    24/12/2024

    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/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1h 33m
  7. Aaron Copland: The Sound of America

    10/12/2024

    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/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    47 min
  8. Dora Pejačević's Symphony in F# minor; Croatia's very first symphony!

    26/11/2024

    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/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    45 min
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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    WETA Classical
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2025
  • Episodes
    127
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 WETA Classical
  • Show Website
    Classical Breakdown

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