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

    −2 D

    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 tim 3 min

  2. 13 JAN. · BONUSINNEHÅLL

    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
  3. Giuseppe Verdi: A life of drama, censorship, and even farming!

    6 JAN.

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

    2025-12-23

    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

  5. 2025-12-16 · BONUSINNEHÅLL

    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
  6. Emilie Mayer; Rediscovering a celebrated 19th-century composer

    2025-12-09

    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

  7. 2025-11-25

    Clara Wieck Schumann's Piano Concerto; a teenage work of genius

    This, the only orchestral output from Clara Wieck, might be one of the few 19th-century concertos written by a teenager that still occupies the concert stage today, and its popularity is only increasing. Join hosts John Banther and Linda Carducci to explore its youthful origins, characteristics of her writing, the size of her hands, and her big concert premiere.

    39 min
  8. Adolphus Hailstork, an American composer writing for our time

    2025-11-11

    Adolphus Hailstork, an American composer writing for our time

    Hailstork has been writing music and teaching for over 5 decades, and his work has documented in music major American moments, from the bicentennial, 9/11, George Floyd, and even infrastructure. John Banther and Evan Keely explore his life, studies with Boulanger, his military experience, and look at 3 works from orchestral to choral that demonstrate his style.

    54 min
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Om

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

  • Skapad av
    WETA Classical
  • Aktiva år
    2019 - 2026
  • Avsnitt
    151
  • Åldersgräns
    Barnvänligt
  • Copyright
    © 2025 WETA Classical
  • Programmets webbplats
    Classical Breakdown

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