Classical Breakdown

WETA Classical
  • 4.7 (175)
  • MUSIC COMMENTARY
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY
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. Dora Pejačević's Symphony in F# minor; Croatia's very first symphony!

    1 DAY AGO

    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
  2. The Life and Music of Gioachino Rossini: An overnight success, foodie, and opera sensation

    NOV 12

    The Life and Music of Gioachino Rossini: An overnight success, foodie, and opera sensation

    Few composers were an overnight sensation like Gioachino Rossini! We have 3 musical characteristics of his to show you as we explore his life, travels, his love of food, and why he might have quit at the height of his fame at age 37. Plus, stay with us to the end for the Rossini cocktail! Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    46 min
  3. Beethoven’s iconic Violin Concerto: what to listen for and why it was an initial flop!

    OCT 29

    Beethoven’s iconic Violin Concerto: what to listen for and why it was an initial flop!

    Why was the premiere a failure, and how did it get back into the repertoire? John Banther and Evan Keely uncover unique characteristics in this concerto, what to listen for, and its beguiling opening! Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    43 min
  4. The horn: Everything you need to know from Mozart, Mahler, to the movie screen!

    OCT 15

    The horn: Everything you need to know from Mozart, Mahler, to the movie screen!

    One of the oldest instruments and one of the most beloved has to be the horn! Chandra Cervantes, one of the most in-demand horn players in the DC area, tells all about its development and use in music, plus, she plays for us some iconic music on the horn. You can find videos and recordings of her playing on the show notes page at classicalbreakdown.org.  Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1h 2m
  5. The lives and music of Silvestre Revueltas and Gabriela Lena Frank

    OCT 1

    The lives and music of Silvestre Revueltas and Gabriela Lena Frank

    We explore two influential composers in this episode that you need to know; Silvestre Revueltas and Gabriela Lena Frank. John Banther and Evan Keely highlight works from both composers, aspects of their lives, and what to listen for in their music!  Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    37 min

  6. SEP 17

    The Great Unfinished Works

    From government intrigue, untimely death, or even distraction, there are many reasons why a composer might leave a work unfinished. John Banther and Linda Carducci dive into 5 unfinished works, how they are performed today, look at the surrounding circumstances, and discuss what we could have done to get these works completed in the first place! Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    40 min
  7. Bruckner's Symphony No. 4 "Romantic"; a monumental masterpiece!

    SEP 3

    Bruckner's Symphony No. 4 "Romantic"; a monumental masterpiece!

    We hear a full performance of this iconic symphony at the end of the episode. John and Evan break down everything you need to know, the "Bruckner problem," and show you what to listen for! Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    2h 8m
  8. Recommended listening; 4 new albums to listen to this summer!

    JUN 25

    Recommended listening; 4 new albums to listen to this summer!

    Can you believe it that summer is already here? This is the final episode of Season 5 and I have 4 recently released albums you need to listen to wherever the summer takes you! Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    23 min
See All (120)

4.7
out of 5
175 Ratings

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 - 2024
  • Episodes
    120
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024 WETA Classical
  • Show Website
    Classical Breakdown

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