Classical Breakdown

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Also Sprach Zarathustra: Where Music and Philosophy Reach New Heights Apr 14, 2026

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You know the opening of this work through its countless use in movies, commercials, and even popular music. But do you know the underlying philosophy that inspired Strauss? John Banther and Evan Keely show you how themes transform from beginning to end in an effort to reach the Übermensch!

Bonus! 2 Opera preludes by Richard Wagner Apr 07, 2026

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Let's enjoy two iconic Wagner preludes in two larger-than-life recordings featuring the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra and conductor Bernard Haitink!

Richard Wagner: The flawed man who changed opera Mar 31, 2026

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This composer's life was tumultuous and sometimes straight out of a soap opera. John Banther and Evan Keely explore what led him to opera, his initial success and failures, his bigoted "Judaism in Music" essay, and how his Ring Cycle changed everything.

Bonus! 3 Preludes and Fugues from the Well-Tampered Clavier Book 1 by Sam Post Mar 24, 2026

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Listen to Ralitza Patcheva and Sam Post in their latest recording, featuring a rhythmic reimaging of JS Bach. If you missed last week's episode, listen afterwards to learn all about this project from beginning to end. Music provided by (c) Acis Productions LLC. All rights reserved

The Well-TAMPERED Clavier: A rhythmic reimagining of JS Bach by Sam Post Mar 17, 2026

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JS Bach was experimental, and that spirit has carried on into the 21st century with composers and pianists like Sam Post and Ralitza Patcheva. While Bach was experimenting with using all 12 major and minor keys at a single keyboard, Sam Post's rhythmic reimagining brings together elements that didn't exist in Bach's time.

Brahms Symphony No. 3: Perfection in Orchestration and Form Mar 03, 2026

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The first symphonies came from a place of insecurity, but his 3rd exudes confidence from the first note to the last. John Banther and Evan Keely show you what to listen for in Brahms' orchestration, how he uses compositional tools to create new melodies, sonata form basics, and the rivalry that took place the night of the premiere.

3 Composers lost to Tyranny Feb 17, 2026

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A hallmark of tyranny is its desire to control and stifle creative expression. In this episode, in memory of Lubna Alyaan, John Banther and Evan Keely explore three 20th-century composers, what happened to them, and select works that demand your attention.

Meet Grammy-Winning Composer Jessie Montgomery! Feb 03, 2026

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Jessie Montgomery and John Banther discuss her popular works, her time writing for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Blacknificent 7 composer group, and her early artistic influences.

A performance of Carnival of the Animals featuring Argerich and Freire! Jan 27, 2026

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Enjoy this performance after listening to the previous episode all about Carnival of the Animals by Saint-Saens. (Elephant image: By Muhammad Mahdi Karim)

Carnival of the Animals, a work of genius kept hidden (plus animal facts!) Jan 20, 2026

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One of the most endearing works in music was also hidden for years because the composer worried about his reputation. John Banther and Evan Keely explore the world of animals, how Saint-Saëns brings them to life, and why you have to play bad to sound good!

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