Classical Breakdown

Latest Episodes:

Haydn's lost cello concerto and its rediscovery Jun 02, 2020

Show notes

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 May 19, 2020

Show notes

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 May 05, 2020

Show notes

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 Apr 21, 2020

Show notes

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 Apr 07, 2020

Show notes

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 Mar 24, 2020

Show notes

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 Mar 10, 2020

Show notes

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 Feb 25, 2020

Show notes

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 Feb 11, 2020

Show notes

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.

The life of Mozart Jan 28, 2020

Show notes

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.