Classical Breakdown

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

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

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

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/donatefm See 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/donatefm See 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/donatefm See 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/donatefm See 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/donatefm See o...

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: http...

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/donatefm See 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: h...

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 Bre...

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/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listene...

It's a popular instrument, but how much do you really know about the clarinet? Principal Clarinet of the National Symphony Orchestra, Lin Ma, joins John Banther to talk all about the clarinet. Lin tells us everything, from what it's made of, its predecessor, how it was used over time, and he even plays some of his favorite examples! Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnyst...

This symphony is one of the most popular and triumphant in the repertoire, and for good reason! It takes us on a journey using a simple melody that appears in every movement, transforming from the opening in E minor to the triumphant E Major finale. John and Bill go through Tchaikovsky's personal correspondence during the months he was writing the symphony, show you what to listen for, and teach y...

How much do you really know about one of America's most treasured artists? There is a lot to explore in his early life in Massachusetts, his meteoric rise to fame in New York, and the unique characteristics we find all over his music. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been a nice summer break, but we are excited to be back with your favorite classical music podcast! We kick things off on September 7 as Matthew Dayton joins John Banther to explore the life and music of Leonard Bernstein. The following episode, September 21, is all about one of the most popular symphonies, the No. 5 by Tchaikovsky. Bill Bukowski and John Banther explore the symphonies insecu...

We wrap up Season 2 of Classical Breakdown with some recommended recordings for you to explore this summer. These recently released albums feature a diverse range of composers, styles, ensembles, and even world premiere recordings.  Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The viola is somewhat of an enigma and from a distance can be hard to tell apart from the violin. Daniel Foster explains how composers used the viola over the centuries, what his role as Principal Viola entails, and plays for us some extraordinary parts written for the viola.  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.

He's considered one of the greatest composers of the 19th century. But can you hum a tune by Brahms? We dive into the life and music of Brahms to better understand what set him apart from others, how his personality affected his music, and how he still appears in popular music and commercials today.  Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privac...

Where did the concerto come from and how did it evolve? We explore its origins, development through Haydn and Mozart, some of the most challenging concertos of the 19th century, and a couple of "hidden gems." Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This masterpiece, originally for piano, was inspired by the tragic loss of a friend, and Ravel's orchestration is a work of art in itself. While roughly half of the original pictures have been lost, we do have descriptions of the originals that give insight to Mussorgsky's music and Ravel's orchestration. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privac...