Classical Breakdown

Latest Episodes:

Ravel's Piano Concerto for Left Hand: A masterpiece of musical illusions and creativity! Feb 21, 2023

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There are a lot of questions and considerations when it comes to writing a piano concerto for a single hand. John Banther and Evan Keely explore the origins of this masterpiece and all the ways in which Ravel makes it sound larger than its parts.

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Joseph Bologne, the most interesting 18th century composer? Feb 07, 2023

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If there was a "most interesting man in the world" it would be Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges. He wasn't just a virtuoso violinist, composer, and conductor, he was also one of Europe's greatest fencers, and a military man who led a legion in the French Revolution.

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Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 6 "Pathetique": A symphony of unanswerable questions Jan 24, 2023

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No matter how many times you've heard this work, there is much to discover! John Banther and Evan Keely examine letters from his final year, musical examples, and fascinating compositional techniques in search of answers to this enigmatic symphony.

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Antonio Vivaldi's life, music, and the women who shaped his career Jan 10, 2023

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Did a volcano erupt when he was born, what illness plagued his priesthood, and why did he write so many concertos? Join us to learn all about Vivaldi's life and appreciate the composer from a new angle.

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Brahms' Haydn Variations: Don't judge a theme by its composer! Dec 27, 2022

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A holiday gem: Margaret Bonds' The Ballad of the Brown King Dec 13, 2022

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This work for choir and orchestra might become your new holiday favorite! Bonds' takes us on an evocative musical journey with more in the story than meets the eye.

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George Frideric Handel: life of fame, musical style, and 3 things you didn't know before! Nov 29, 2022

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He's one of history's most famous composers, but how much do you really know about Handel? Join us to learn about his life, music, and desire for fame; plus 3 things about him you didn't know before!

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WG Still's Afro-American Symphony: Blues idioms, new instruments, and a uniquely American style Nov 15, 2022

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This symphony takes its inspiration from the blues in the 1920s, which were much different than the blues we typically hear today. Join us to learn how Still uniquely brought different styles of music together, new instruments in the orchestra, and his motivation.

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The Saxophone, everything you need to know about this unique genre-hopping instrument! Nov 01, 2022

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Doctors at one time prescribed playing the saxophone for certain ailments?! Learn all about the saxophone's invention, development, and all the genres it's hopped to along the way.

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Mozart y Mambo! Horn superstar Sarah Willis shows off her newest album Oct 18, 2022

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