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. The Great World of Percussion with Chris DeChiara: From bones and war drums to symphonies!

    5 DAYS AGO

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

    1h 45m
  2. Bonus episode! A performance of a suite from the ballet Daphnis and Chloe by Maurice Ravel

    9 SEPT · BONUS

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

    17 min
  3. Maurice Ravel at 150: celebrating his life, music, and influence!

    2 SEPT

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

    1h 24m
  4. Recommended listening; 4 new albums to listen to this summer!

    24 JUN

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

    31 min
  5. Mahler's Symphony No. 5, a story of uncertainty and triumph

    10 JUN

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

    1h 10m
  6. Felix Mendelssohn: A prodigy, inventor, and visionary!

    27 MAY

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

    1h 7m
  7. Verdi's Rigoletto: Unforgettable tunes, tragedy, and a new concept in opera

    13 MAY

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

    1h 10m
  8. John Williams: a defining American composer that goes beyond the silver screen

    29 APR

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

    59 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
    138
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 WETA Classical
  • Show Website
    Classical Breakdown

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