Classical Breakdown

Season 4 kicks off with one of the most beloved works in the orchestral repertoire. John Banther and Bill Bukowski talk about the theme's origins, melodies hidden in plain sight, moments to listen for, and what Rachmaninoff did to calm his nerves the night of the premiere!Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Half the fun of music is finding something new, so why not use the summer to discover new classical favorites while you hit the road, the mountains, the beach, or wherever!Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Enjoy a full recording of this concerto after Linda and John discuss its origin, Norwegian influences, and what to listen for.Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

She was a composer whose music was wrongfully neglected and was sometimes attributed and published under her brother's name. Join Evan Keely and John Banther as they discuss the unique challenges she faced, her letters, late success in publishing, and more. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It seems simple on the surface, but there is a lot to discover in Ravel's most famous work (much to his dismay!). Joshua Weilerstein, one of today's in-demand conductors, joins John Banther to offer his perspective on the music and all the details that need to be addressed to pull it off in performance.Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

He was a different kind of composer than Mozart and Beethoven, and he transformed how we hear the piano. John Banther and Bill Bukowski talk about Chopin's early life, relationships, new styles of music he wrote, what set him apart, and more!Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Bass is one of the largest and lowest instruments in the orchestra. Learn how it evolved and was used over the centuries, how it can play solos just like any other instrument, and more!Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm

Her final symphony is one that deserves your attention and is now performed more often. John Banther and James Jacobs discuss the challenges she faced with sexism and the French attitude towards symphonies at the time, what to listen for, influences, and her unique orchestration. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

She was a composer, prodigy, and was considered one of the greatest pianists of the 19th century. Linda and John discuss various aspects of her compositions, education, and complicated career. Also, we share a heroic story of Clara you likely haven't heard before!Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.