Classical Breakdown

Latest Episodes:

William Schuman: The composer that shaped Juilliard, the Lincoln Center, and American music Sep 29, 2026

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Why is it that this composer's name is probably not known to you? John Banther and Evan Keely explore some of his extraordinary music and achievements in the arts, including how he shaped art institutions and his very unusual start in composing music.

What is a Harp with Nadia Pessoa: Ancient origins to modern innovations! Sep 15, 2026

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Not too many instruments in the orchestra have a history that spans the centuries, and use of the harp! Nadia Pessoa, a Washington, DC-area harpist, shares with us the harp's use in the orchestra from around 1600 to now, answers John's burning questions, and plays for us, including a recent viral tune on the harp.

Bonus! A performance of Handel's Water Music Sep 08, 2026

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Enjoy a Concertgebouw Chamber Orchestra recording of the music we learned about last week, plus a listener comment that helps clarify the situation after Queen Anne's death!

Handel's Water Music; a Kings bid to lift his reputation and one smelly river Sep 01, 2026

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Why did Handel write this, and what would it have been like on the river's edge? John Banther and Linda Carducci explore how Handel went above and beyond for a King and even what it would have been like for the musicians.

Season 7 Recommended Summer Listening! Jun 23, 2026

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It's time again to look at some recently recorded albums for us to enjoy and grow with this summer. John Banther has 4 albums to recommend, and one of them includes a remarkable composer's story!

Tosca! Puccini's tragic opera on love, lust, and brutality Jun 09, 2026

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Why watch a thriller on a Friday night when you can watch the dramatic and compact "blood and guts" opera by Puccini that is... Tosca! John Banther and Linda Carducci give you the historical and cultural context to the plot, show you specific themes hidden throughout, and highlight 4 show-stopping moments.

The Montgomery Variations: A Piece of American History by Margaret Bonds May 26, 2026

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Music can be just as much of a historical document as letters or legislation, and we see that directly in this episode with music by Bonds written in 1963. John Banther and Evan Keely show you what to listen for, how Bonds adapts a well-known melody, the historical context, and more.

Haydn's Trumpet Concerto: Revolutionary in ways you didn't know! May 12, 2026

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There is so much more to this humble concerto than you realize, because the context of hearing a trumpet do something unheard of before has been lost. We show you what made this concerto possible, how Haydn was revolutionary, and why each recording is a little bit different.

Leos Janacek: an original composer who found success late Apr 28, 2026

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Another listener request! John Banther and Bill Bukowski explore the life of Leos Janacek and look at 2 specific subjects to understand this composer's original sound, speech melodies and modality.

Bonus! John and James discuss Eine Kleine Nachtmusik and gigs Apr 21, 2026

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John Banther and James Jacobs discuss Mozart's Eine Kleine Nachtmusik and performing it at gigs, which for James reaches into the hundreds at weddings! Plus, we enjoy a full performance with the Berlin Philharmonic.

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