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.

  • 1 hour 1 minute
    Robert Schumann's Carnaval: A solo piano brings a masked ball to life!

    Real and fictional characters come to life in this incredibly challenging work for piano that also includes musical puzzles. John Banther and Linda Carducci explore all the characters and how Schumann depicts them in music, the ciphers, discarded movements, and more. plus we enjoy a full performance of it by Sergei Rachmaninoff!

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    14 May 2024, 4:00 am
  • 46 minutes 27 seconds
    The Life of Nadia Boulanger: A Lasting Impact from Bernstein to Sesame Street

    She might have been the most influential person in music of the 20th century, and few would argue with you. John Banther and Evan Keely explore her life, music, and incalculable influence, but also some of the criticism her legacy has faced in the 45 years since her passing. 

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    30 April 2024, 4:00 am
  • 28 minutes 44 seconds
    Haydn's masterpiece for 4 soloists and orchestra, the Sinfonia Concertante

    We've come to know the concerto as a work showcasing a single soloist with (or sometimes against) an orchestra, but what if a work has not 1... but 4 soloists at the same time? And what if it is also bringing in ideas from the symphony? John Banther and Evan Keely take a look at one of the defining works in the genre, show you what to listen for, and discuss why Haydn might have written it in the first place

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    16 April 2024, 4:00 am
  • 51 minutes 26 seconds
    The Evolution of the Piano: A Thousand Year Journey!

    It's one of the most common musical instruments, but where did it come from and how did we get here? John Banther and Linda Carducci go on a journey through time to trace the evolution of the piano and its various forms. Plus, why is it so fun to see pianos fall from high places??

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    2 April 2024, 4:00 am
  • 29 minutes 22 seconds
    Joan Tower's Concerto for Orchestra, an adventure in color, illusion, and rhythm!

    There aren't that many examples of a "concerto" for orchestra, and in Joan Tower's, it's an electrifying world of rhythm, motion, and even deception! John Banther and Evan Keely explore this concerto by one of the most successful and recorded American composers. 

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    19 March 2024, 4:00 am
  • 1 hour 3 minutes
    The secret life of a classical recording engineer: Meet WETA's Charles Lawson

    Have you ever wondered how to record an orchestra but were too afraid to ask? Critically acclaimed recording engineer Charles Lawson spends his days recording the National Symphony Orchestra at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. He tells us how it all comes together, philosophy, and near disasters!

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    5 March 2024, 5:00 am
  • 1 hour 33 minutes
    The life and music of Antonin Dvořák; from humble beginnings to stardom!

    We'll enjoy his Symphony No. 9 "From the New World" at the end, but first we look at his influential and controversial time in the United States, itself a journey that began decades prior. Join us to learn how he was discovered, his musical styles, and some pretty funny stories!

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    20 February 2024, 5:00 am
  • 33 minutes 51 seconds
    6 recommended works by living Black composers!

    We celebrate the music of living Black composers with 6 recommended works spanning violin and piano to the full orchestra! Go to the show notes page at classicalbreakdown.org for more information on these composers, links to recordings, and links to resources.

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    6 February 2024, 5:00 am
  • 37 minutes 40 seconds
    Korngold's Violin Concerto, from the Golden Age of Hollywood!

    The sounds of Hollywood are found throughout this enduring concerto. John Banther and Evan Keely show you moments in the music to listen for, how Korngold does things differently, which movies ended up in this concerto, and discuss why this concerto has remained so popular!

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    23 January 2024, 5:00 am
  • 1 hour 46 minutes
    Episode 100, let's celebrate!

    We have a full symphony by Mahler to listen to after we enjoy highlights from the past 99 episodes! Let's take time to experience again the musicians who demonstrated their instruments, fascinating insights from guests, and our favorite moments from over the years. 

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    9 January 2024, 5:00 am
  • 40 minutes 32 seconds
    Jean Sibelius, how a composer became the voice of a nation!

    Few countries have elevated a composer like Finland and Jean Sibelius. John Banther and Evan Keely look into his breakout success, symphonies, dramatic life events, and how he incorporates Finnish culture into music. Plus, what do Sibelius, Gilmore Girls, and Lord of The Rings have in common?

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    26 December 2023, 5:00 am
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