Classical Breakdown

Latest Episodes:

John Williams: a defining American composer that goes beyond the silver screen Apr 29, 2025

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You knew this composer before you knew his name, and he has shaped the sound of movies and childhoods for generations. Join us to learn about aspects of his life you didn't know, like his early career and first film scores, influences, nonfilm work, and more!

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Shostakovich's Symphony No. 5: a symphony of bravery, intrigue, and survival Apr 15, 2025

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Few other works in the canon occupy a place like this symphony by Dmitri Shostakovich. John Banther and Evan Keely dive into history as they show you what to listen for, Shostakovich's perilous circumstances, and what clues he could have left for all of us in the music.

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An update on Florence Price! Apr 10, 2025

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I have a special update for you on Florence Price because of the hard work of a particular listener and a previous guest.

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The most difficult music for piano: Gaspard de la Nuit by Maurice Ravel Apr 01, 2025

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Ravel wrote something so difficult he couldn't even play it, and he even dared to criticize others' performances! Linda Carducci and John Banther dive into a work that challenges the most virtuosic of soloists, its frightening accompanying poetry, and what exactly makes it so difficult.

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The Future is Female: Exploring Clarice Assad and the Boulanger Initiative with Laura Colgate Mar 18, 2025

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Discover contemporary works by living Brazillian composer Clarice Assad that cover chamber music, solo piano, and orchestra. Then Co-Founder Laura Colgate tells us everything we need to know about and how you can benefit from the Boulanger Initiative, which advocates for women and gender-marginalized composers.

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Ethel Smyth's Mass in D: A 19th century mass by an extraordinary woman! Mar 04, 2025

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Conductor Steven Fox joins John Banther to talk about this Mass that was overlooked after its premiere in 1893. Fox tells us everything we need to know about a mass, what to listen for, and how Ethel Smyth's mass stands apart. We also touch on her life as she was an aggressive suffragette, women's rights advocate, and openly bisexual composer in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

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Olly Wilson, an American composer that will change how you hear music! Feb 18, 2025

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This American composer was a pioneer in electronic music, commissioned works with major orchestras, and did groundbreaking work in musicology connecting music traditions from West Africa to the United States. John Banther and Evan Keely explore 3 of his works and look at his work in musicology that will change how you hear music!

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Carlos Simon's Songs of Separation: An American song cycle set to poetry of Rumi Feb 04, 2025

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Explore the different emotional aspects of loss, grief, and separation in this orchestral song cycle by Kenedy Center composer-in-residence Carlos Simon. John Banther and Evan Keely explore the text by Rumi, how Simon pairs this directly in the music, and moments to listen for!

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Lincoln Portrait: Aaron Copland's defense of Democracy Jan 21, 2025

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Music was used in World War 2 like never before, from propaganda to national pride. John Banther and Evan Keely explore Copland's musical effort to rally a defense for democracy using Abraham Lincoln's timeless words and examine why it was banned from a Presidential inauguration.

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Chris Gekker tells us everything about the trumpet! Jan 07, 2025

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We take a glimpse into the massive world and history of the trumpet! From its use in military battles and physical dangers to beautifully soft moments on the stage, world-renowned trumpeter and teacher Chris Gekker joins John Banther for a wide-ranging discussion on the trumpet, and he plays examples for us too!

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