Classical Breakdown
WETA Classical
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 24, 2023 • 46min
Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 6 "Pathetique": A symphony of unanswerable questions
No matter how many times you've heard this work, there is much to discover! John Banther and Evan Keely examine letters from his final year, musical examples, and fascinating compositional techniques in search of answers to this enigmatic symphony. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jan 10, 2023 • 41min
Antonio Vivaldi's life, music, and the women who shaped his career
Did a volcano erupt when he was born, what illness plagued his priesthood, and why did he write so many concertos? Join us to learn all about Vivaldi's life and appreciate the composer from a new angle. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 27, 2022 • 36min
Brahms' Haydn Variations: Don't judge a theme by its composer!
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Dec 13, 2022 • 30min
A holiday gem: Margaret Bonds' The Ballad of the Brown King
This work for choir and orchestra might become your new holiday favorite! Bonds' takes us on an evocative musical journey with more in the story than meets the eye. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nov 29, 2022 • 41min
George Frideric Handel: life of fame, musical style, and 3 things you didn't know before!
He's one of history's most famous composers, but how much do you really know about Handel? Join us to learn about his life, music, and desire for fame; plus 3 things about him you didn't know before!Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nov 15, 2022 • 45min
WG Still's Afro-American Symphony: Blues idioms, new instruments, and a uniquely American style
This symphony takes its inspiration from the blues in the 1920s, which were much different than the blues we typically hear today. Join us to learn how Still uniquely brought different styles of music together, new instruments in the orchestra, and his motivation. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Nov 1, 2022 • 48min
The Saxophone, everything you need to know about this unique genre-hopping instrument!
Doctors at one time prescribed playing the saxophone for certain ailments?! Learn all about the saxophone's invention, development, and all the genres it's hopped to along the way.Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Oct 18, 2022 • 50min
Mozart y Mambo! Horn superstar Sarah Willis shows off her newest album
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Oct 4, 2022 • 40min
By Listener Request: 3 deep dives into works by Pachelbel, Liszt, and Vaughan Williams
Coming to you from our email inbox, here's an episode of music requested by you the listener! These three works are iconic, but leave your preconceived notions at the door and prepare to hear them in a new way. Plus, we also do a little Q&A at the end of the show. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sep 20, 2022 • 44min
Claude Debussy: 4 points to hear his music in a new way!
Was he an impressionist, symbolist, or something else? John Banther and Evan Keely dive into the life and music of Debussy while giving you 4 points to hear his music in a whole new way.Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
