Classical Breakdown

Latest Episodes:

Louise Farrenc's Symphony No. 3: A hidden gem! Mar 22, 2022

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Her final symphony is one that deserves your attention and is now performed more often. John Banther and James Jacobs discuss the challenges she faced with sexism and the French attitude towards symphonies at the time, what to listen for, influences, and her unique orchestration.

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Clara Schumann: A story of stardom, passion, and courage Mar 08, 2022

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She was a composer, prodigy, and was considered one of the greatest pianists of the 19th century. Linda and John discuss various aspects of her compositions, education, and complicated career. Also, we share a heroic story of Clara you likely haven't heard before!

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Florence Price Symphony No. 1: An American Symphony Feb 22, 2022

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It was the first symphony of an African-American woman to be performed by a major US orchestra. John Banther and Nicole Lacroix talk about how she found time to write, a hidden motif to listen for, Americana aspects of the symphony, and more.

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George Walker: He wants you to play his music Feb 08, 2022

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DC native composer, George Walker, was one of the great American composers of the 20th and 21st centuries. His close friend and colleague, Dr. Mickey Terry, joins John Banther to discuss his life, challenges, and three works you need to listen to.

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Dvorak's Cello Concerto, 5 things to listen for! Jan 25, 2022

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There is always something new to discover, no matter how many times you've heard a piece. Our resident cello player, James Jacobs, joins John Banther to give you 5 things to listen for in this masterpiece that you've either missed or could experience differently.

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How an orchestra creates a year of concerts, with NSO's Nigel Boon Jan 11, 2022

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Have you ever wondered how an orchestra puts a full season of concerts together? Nigel Boon, Director of Artistic Planning shows how he juggles multiple seasons of concerts involving many conductors, soloists, commissions, programs, and more!

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The life and music of Robert Schumann Dec 28, 2021

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His music helped define the sound and direction of the Romantic period of the 19th century across different forms; like music for piano, song, chamber music, and symphonies. John Banther and Linda Carducci talk about characteristics to listen for in his music, why he became a composer, and how literature played a part in his works.

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Bach's Christmas Oratorio, what to listen for and know! Dec 14, 2021

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It's a holiday classic that is becoming more popular, especially in the Washington area. Bill Bukowski joins John Banther to explain everything we need to know in this masterpiece. From how it was originally performed, expected audience participation, and how Bach reused old music. Plus, we have some listener mail and a special Classical Breakdown challenge.

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Bernstein's West Side Story Nov 30, 2021

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Here is what to listen for, know, and appreciate when it comes to West Side Story before you watch the 2021 movie remake!

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The life of William Grant Still Nov 16, 2021

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Known as the Dean of Afro-American Composers, William Grant Still wrote a variety of music, from symphony, opera, ballet, to popular song, and more. Gayle Murchinson, Associate Professor of Music at William and Mary, joins John Banther to discuss Still's life and explore his music across three aesthetics that she describes as Ultramodern, Racial, and Universal.

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