Explore every episode of the podcast Classical Breakdown

Dive into the complete episode list for Classical Breakdown. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.

	Title	Pub. Date	Duration
	Death in music! 10 works that explore life’s final question	28 Oct 2025	00:47:52
Death has been depicted in music to console, frighten, warn, and entertain for over 400 years. In fact, the most quoted motif about death is also the oldest, and you know it intimately whether you realize it or not! John Banther and Evan Keely take you on a deathly trip over 10 works and a bonus.
	Bonus episode! 3 select performances of guitarist Xuefei Yang	21 Oct 2025	00:12:45
I'm excited to bring you more from Xuefei Yang with these three performances taken from her YouTube channel (where you will find plenty more performances!).
	Verdi's Rigoletto: Unforgettable tunes, tragedy, and a new concept in opera	13 May 2025	01:10:13
Verdi considered this character worthy of a Shakespearean tragedy, and he delivers just that! John Banther and Linda Carducci explore Verdi's masterpiece and show you what to listen for, intricacies of the characters and plot, the banned origin story, and so much more. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	The Life of Johannes Brahms	18 May 2021	00:37:41
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.
	What is a Concerto?	04 May 2021	00:34:24
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.
	Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition. A masterpiece and tribute to a friend.	20 Apr 2021	00:42:02
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.
	What is a Bassoon? Sue Heineman, Principal Bassoon of the NSO, tells us everything!	06 Apr 2021	00:40:58
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.
	Appalachian Spring, an American classic by Aaron Copland	23 Mar 2021	00:36:26
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.
	The Life of Bach	09 Mar 2021	00:48:16
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.
	The life of Florence Price	23 Feb 2021	00:50:18
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.
	Dvorak's Symphony No. 9 "From the New World." The origins and inspirations you didn't know.	09 Feb 2021	00:39:39
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.
	It's fun and it's virtuosic! Exploring Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 21	26 Jan 2021	00:30:34
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.
	What does a Concertmaster really do? Concertmaster Nurit Bar-Josef of the NSO explains.	12 Jan 2021	00:30:29
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.
	John Williams: a defining American composer that goes beyond the silver screen	29 Apr 2025	00:59:03
You knew this composer before you knew his name, and he has shaped the sound of movies and childhoods for generations. Join us to learn about aspects of his life you didn't know, like his early career and first film scores, influences, nonfilm work, and more! Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	The life of Strauss Jr. aka "The Waltz King"	29 Dec 2020	00:30:17
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.
	The Nutcracker, how it became a holiday classic, and what to listen for	15 Dec 2020	00:44:37
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	01 Dec 2020	00:52:59
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.
	What is a string quartet?	17 Nov 2020	01:02:29
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.
	Beethoven's triumphant Symphony No. 5	03 Nov 2020	00:46:10
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.
	The life of Tchaikovsky	20 Oct 2020	00:44:59
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.
	What is an Overture?	06 Oct 2020	00:40:46
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.
	Rimsky-Korsakov's enchanting Scheherazade	22 Sep 2020	00:45:20
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.
	The life of Beethoven	08 Sep 2020	01:08:18
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.
	Recommended summer listening	30 Jun 2020	00:10:54
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.
	Shostakovich's Symphony No. 5: a symphony of bravery, intrigue, and survival	15 Apr 2025	01:00:04
Few other works in the canon occupy a place like this symphony by Dmitri Shostakovich. John Banther and Evan Keely dive into history as they show you what to listen for, Shostakovich's perilous circumstances, and what clues he could have left for all of us in the music. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	Lawrence Brownlee on equality in classical music	16 Jun 2020	00:24:00
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 lost cello concerto and its rediscovery	02 Jun 2020	01:04:26
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.
	NSO Principal Flute Aaron Goldman talks flute and shares his journey in music	19 May 2020	00:51:10
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 - Part 3	05 May 2020	00:17:52
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. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	Debussy's La Mer - Part 2	21 Apr 2020	00:12:51
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.
	Debussy's La Mer - Part 1	07 Apr 2020	00:20:24
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.
	Artist Relief Tree, supporting artists affected by cancellations due to COVID-19	24 Mar 2020	00:12:40
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.
	The Life and Music of Amy Beach, an American pioneer	10 Mar 2020	00:26:02
She was America's first woman composer to have a symphony performed by a major orchestra and the first American composer fully educated in the United States. She was praised and recognized but her journey to success was an uphill battle with obstacles and challenges. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	Haydn's final London Symphony	25 Feb 2020	00:51:03
Let's go on a musical deep dive of Haydn's final symphony. With musical examples we can breakdown Sonata Form, hear influences of other composers, and folk song! Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	What is a Symphony? Part 2	11 Feb 2020	00:50:41
Beethoven changed all ideas and expectations about the Symphony. Bill Bukowski joins me as we figure out what happened to the symphony after Beethoven through the 21st century. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	An update on Florence Price!	10 Apr 2025	00:01:55
I have a special update for you on Florence Price because of the hard work of a particular listener and a previous guest. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	The life of Mozart	28 Jan 2020	01:02:50
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's life was kind of complicated. His childhood as a musical prodigy was filled with practicing, writing music, and performing for royalty throughout Europe. He later struggled at times finding suitable employment and wanted to find his own path. It was a life lived under the watchful eye of his father, Leopold Mozart, and cut short at the age of 35. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	The Planets by Holst	14 Jan 2020	00:26:58
Discover music by Holst that was inspired by the gods our planets are named after in our solar system. This seven-movement orchestral suite includes the terrifying sounds of war, the comfort of peace, jollity, and so much more. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	Tchaikovsky's The Seasons	31 Dec 2019	00:27:51
Get into the new year with a work that has music for every month! Tchaikovsky's The Seasons also includes poetry and gives us a glimpse into Russian life, month by month in 1876. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	What does a conductor do?	17 Dec 2019	00:57:52
Waving a baton is just a small part of being a conductor. Michelle Merrill tells what it's like to prepare a concert with an orchestra, from the year before to the downbeat of the concert. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	Handel's Messiah, from swords, hidden meanings, to theft!	03 Dec 2019	01:13:54
Here's everything you wanted to know about Handel's Messiah but were afraid to ask. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	What is a Symphonic Poem?	19 Nov 2019	00:20:07
Discover one of the more colorful genres of classical music, the Symphonic Poem, which can depict animals, landscape, literature, and even football players! Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	Reading between the notes - making a score come alive	05 Nov 2019	00:27:46
Liz demonstrates musical terms on the violin, we talk about bringing sheet music to life and a special guest joins for an experiment with foreign language. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	The Abeo Quartet performs Moonshot	22 Oct 2019	00:37:23
The Abeo Quartet performs Moonshot, a new work by Alistair Coleman. Alistair talks about the inspiration for this piece, and after the performance, we talk with the quartet about putting this piece together, new playing techniques, and space travel! Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	Kian Soltani, cellist, talks tempo, karate, and his debut album "Home"	08 Oct 2019	00:32:08
Kian talks about bringing people together in music, changing tempos, karate, and more. He is one of today's most celebrated young cellists and has risen the ranks as one of today's great cello soloists. His collaboration with conductor Daniel Barenboim has taken him around the world, he's performed with some of the worlds greatest orchestras. and records for Deutsche Grammophon. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	What is a Symphony? Part 1	24 Sep 2019	00:33:48
The Symphony has been one of classical music's biggest genres. But, have you ever wondered what makes a symphony, a symphony? The origins take us back to the 17th century with symphonies that lasted only a few minutes, and we explore its development up to Beethoven's blockbuster Symphony No. 9. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	The most difficult music for piano: Gaspard de la Nuit by Maurice Ravel	01 Apr 2025	00:37:31
Ravel wrote something so difficult he couldn't even play it, and he even dared to criticize others' performances! Linda Carducci and John Banther dive into a work that challenges the most virtuosic of soloists, its frightening accompanying poetry, and what exactly makes it so difficult. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	How does a composer actually write music?	10 Sep 2019	00:35:25
Mozart and Beethoven were genius composers, but they wrote music very differently. Renowned composer from Washington, Alistair Coleman, tells us what made Beethoven and Mozart different and describes his own music writing process. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	The Four Seasons, how Vivaldi depicts the world in sound	10 Sep 2019	00:55:00
Poetry, falling on the ice, and a barking dog, there is so much to hear and discover in Antonio Vivaldi’s masterpiece, The Four Seasons. In this episode, we get into the details and musical examples with a recording that brings a fresh perspective to this work published nearly 300 years ago. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
	Wu Han, pianist and cultural entrepreneur	10 Sep 2019	00:34:58
She might be the busiest chamber musician in the United States. Wu Han is in charge of several music festivals worldwide, has an intense performing schedule, and manages a record label. In this episode, she tells us about her early musical inspirations in Taiwan, how tragedy led her to another career path, where chamber music is headed, and even how to fix wardrobe malfunctions with a stapler. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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