Classical Breakdown

It might be one of the oldest ideas in all of music (of any kind!), but, how did it develop in our Western classical music tradition? John and Evan explore what makes a theme and variations, 4 specific types to listen for, and a modern example using a theme you wouldn't expect! Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Enjoy a performance of one of Haydn's iconic concertos at the end of the episode! We talk about Haydn's hardship to stardom life, and why he ended up writing all kinds of music, from symphonies, and concertos, to music for clocks.  Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We unravel the secrets and beauty of Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5 "Emperor," hailed as a masterpiece in the piano concerto repertoire. We explore the complexities of the music, the unusual circumstances behind its creation, and what to listen for! Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This charismatic Italian has become one of the most sought-after conductors for both orchestras and opera houses. John Banther and Gianandrea Noseda discuss early musical experiences, preparing familiar works, the importance of recordings, ways to relax, and much more! Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the more original first symphonies from a composer, Gustav Mahler's entry into the symphonic world was initially misunderstood. John Banther and Evan Keely break down what made this symphony different, what to listen for, and why the journey is worth the test of patience! Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Go on a journey through time with us as we explore a genre of music called the Fantasia! John Banther and Evan Keely discuss how the genre started, evolved, and captured our hearts and imaginations for centuries. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

She persisted and created her own success in defiance of the sexism faced at home and abroad. We explore her life, works you need to hear, and even hear a 122-year-old recording of Chaminade herself! Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We explore in detail 6 works by 6 different living composers for a variety of instruments like solo cello, a string quartet, a piano concerto, and more! Visit the show notes page for more information on these composers and resources to find more. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are a lot of questions and considerations when it comes to writing a piano concerto for a single hand. John Banther and Evan Keely explore the origins of this masterpiece and all the ways in which Ravel makes it sound larger than its parts.  Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If there was a "most interesting man in the world" it would be Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges. He wasn't just a virtuoso violinist, composer, and conductor, he was also one of Europe's greatest fencers, and a military man who led a legion in the French Revolution. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

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/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

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/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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/donatefm See 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/donatefm See 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/donatefm See 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/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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