Podcasts by Category

Classical Breakdown

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.

111 - Haydn's masterpiece for 4 soloists and orchestra, the Sinfonia Concertante
0:00 / 0:00
1x
  • 111 - 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

    Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Tue, 16 Apr 2024
  • 110 - 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??

    Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Tue, 02 Apr 2024
  • 109 - 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. 

    Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Tue, 19 Mar 2024
  • 108 - 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!

    Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Tue, 05 Mar 2024
  • 107 - 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!

    Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Tue, 20 Feb 2024
Show More Episodes