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.
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 privacy information....
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 privacy information....
How does a bassoon make a sound and what is its purpose? Principal Bassoonist of the National Symphony Orchestra Sue Heineman doesn't just tell us; she also plays her favorite moments and discusses how it all fits together in the orchestra. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There is so much to discover about this masterpiece, like its collaborative and ballet origins, Copland's inventive use of an unknown folk tune, and even how it got its name. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today we know him as one of the greatest and most influential composers, but that wasn’t always the case. Learn how a teenager became responsible for Bach’s revival, how is music changed from job to job, and even how he wound up in jail for nearly a month! Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dr. Karen Walwyn discusses the life and music of Florence Price, the first woman African American composer to have a symphony played by a major orchestra in the United States. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There is a lot you may not know about the origins, inspirations and influencers when it comes to this masterpiece by Dvorak. We get into the details and music with examples from the latest recording from the National Symphony Orchestra and Maestro Noseda. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
You might not know this concerto by its number, but you're surely familiar with one of its aria-like melodies that has appeared in film and popular music. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's one of the most competitive positions in all of classical music. Learn more about the role of a concertmaster from Nurit Bar-Josef, Concertmaster of the National Symphony Orchestra. She plays her favorite concertmaster solos Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
His music is celebrated today, especially around New Year's, and his waltzes are bound to put a smile on your face. Learn about Strauss Jr.'s life, his music, and a surprising answer he gave a New York reporter about his visit to Boston. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This holiday classic has helped define the "Christmas" sound for generations, but there's more to the music than you think. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 was revolutionary, but if all you know is the "Ode to Joy" you are missing out! From it's opening notes to the final crescendo, join Bill Bukowski and John Banther for a musical deep dive into Beethoven's final symphony. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is it the ultimate test for a composer? Discover its origins and how this genre evolved over centuries with James Jacobs and John Banther. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
There's a lot about this masterpiece you may not know. Nicole LaCroix joins John Banther to explore its premiere and unique musical moments. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
From his humble beginnings to becoming one of the greatest composers, explore the life and music of Tchaikovsky. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is an Overture defined by the kind of music it contains or simply where it appears in a concert? The answer can change throughout history, and with musical examples, John and Nicole get into the details of this "bite-size music." Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Discover the musical details and backstory of a work that's captivated listeners for over a century. John Banther and Linda Carducci discuss its origins and use their imagination to fill in the musical gaps. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Discover the life and works of one classical music's greatest composers! His life was full of groundbreaking music, but it was also tragic as he dealt with family problems and hearing loss. We explore the details of his life and listen to samples of his music, from his first composition to his final Symphony No. 9. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Expand your musical palate with music found in an attic in 2009, new interpretations of Beethoven and Franck, and an instrument you've probably never heard before. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Brownlee talks about equality in classical music, his experience as a black man in the world of opera, and what we can do to encourage positive change towards a more diverse future in classical music. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Haydn's 1st cello concerto was lost for 200 years and is now considered one of the greatest cello concertos of the 18th century. Dr. Greenwald tells us how music can go missing, we examine musical examples that set this concerto apart, and we enjoy a full performance! Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When was the flute invented, how did it evolve, what does a bass flute sound like? Learn all this and more with Principal Flute of the National Symphony Orchestra, Aaron Goldman. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Debussy's La Mer is as imaginative and playful as it was in 1905, and while the original audience wasn't as receptive, it's become an orchestra staple over the last century. The final movement is called "Dialogue du vent et de la mer" (Dialogue of the Wind and the Sea) and features a theme originating in the oboe. We'll hear from Nicholas Stovall, Principal Oboe of the National Symphony Orchestra, on what this passage means to him and why he had to play it during Principal Flute auditions. Suppo...
The trumpet shines through in Jeux de Vagues, (Play of the Waves), the second movement of Debussy's La mer. This is part 2 of our 3 part series on Debussy's enchanting orchestral work, La Mer. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
An orchestral staple today, this work about "the sea" wasn't well received at it's premiere. Audiences may have expected a Strauss-esque symphonic poem to bring the sea to life, but Debussy was more interested in the abstract. This is part 1 of our 3 part series on Debussy's enchanting orchestral work, La Mer. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
The Arts community is severely affected by the current situation involving COVID-19. Artist Relief Tree was created by Morgan Brophy to give direct support to artists and musicians. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
