Classical Breakdown

It was the first symphony of an African-American woman to be performed by a major US orchestra. John Banther and Nicole Lacroix talk about how she found time to write, a hidden motif to listen for, Americana aspects of the symphony, and more. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DC native composer, George Walker, was one of the great American composers of the 20th and 21st centuries. His close friend and colleague, Dr. Mickey Terry, joins John Banther to discuss his life, challenges, and three works you need to listen to.Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There is always something new to discover, no matter how many times you've heard a piece. Our resident cello player, James Jacobs, joins John Banther to give you 5 things to listen for in this masterpiece that you've either missed or could experience differently. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever wondered how an orchestra puts a full season of concerts together? Nigel Boon, Director of Artistic Planning shows how he juggles multiple seasons of concerts involving many conductors, soloists, commissions, programs, and more!Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

His music helped define the sound and direction of the Romantic period of the 19th century across different forms; like music for piano, song, chamber music, and symphonies. John Banther and Linda Carducci talk about characteristics to listen for in his music, why he became a composer, and how literature played a part in his works. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's a holiday classic that is becoming more popular, especially in the Washington area. Bill Bukowski joins John Banther to explain everything we need to know in this masterpiece. From how it was originally performed, expected audience participation, and how Bach reused old music. Plus, we have some listener mail and a special Classical Breakdown challenge. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Here is what to listen for, know, and appreciate when it comes to West Side Story before you watch the 2021 movie remake!Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Known as the Dean of Afro-American Composers, William Grant Still wrote a variety of music, from symphony, opera, ballet, to popular song, and more. Gayle Murchinson, Associate Professor of Music at William and Mary, joins John Banther to discuss Still's life and explore his music across three aesthetics that she describes as Ultramodern, Racial, and Universal. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Composed in his final year, this concerto is one of Mozart's last and most enduring works. Nicole and John explore the origins of the concerto, which was originally for a slightly different and more obscure instrument. They also talk about what to listen for in each movement and even give a little music theory lesson to explore some unintended consequences in the music. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Linda and John uncover details about Rachmaninoff's life, like early influences that stayed with him his entire career, his comeback story after a disastrous symphony premiere, and what led to him emigrating to the United States. Plus, we hear some recordings of Rachmaninoff himself at the piano from the early 1900s.Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.