Classical Breakdown

Latest Episodes:

Your Guide to JS Bach's Cello Suites! Dec 24, 2024

Show notes

WETA resident cello player James Jacobs joins John Banther for a deep dive into the 6 iconic cello suites by JS Bach. With cello in hand, James demonstrates different aspects of the suites and shows us what to listen for, plus we enjoy a full recording performance of one of the suites at the end!

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Aaron Copland: The Sound of America Dec 10, 2024

Show notes

One of the most iconic American composers was at one point even considered by some to be "un-American." John Banther and Evan Keely explore Copland's life, works you probably don't know, what influenced him, how he created an "American" sound, and why he was questioned at length in a senate subcommittee hearing in 1953.

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Dora Pejačević's Symphony in F# minor; Croatia's very first symphony! Nov 26, 2024

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We get a rare opportunity to look at a country's first symphony, and it wasn't written until 1917! John and Evan explore Pejačević's symphony and show you what to listen for, what sets her symphony apart from others of the time, and how WWI directly affected her and this very work.

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The Life and Music of Gioachino Rossini: An overnight success, foodie, and opera sensation Nov 12, 2024

Show notes

Few composers were an overnight sensation like Gioachino Rossini! We have 3 musical characteristics of his to show you as we explore his life, travels, his love of food, and why he might have quit at the height of his fame at age 37. Plus, stay with us to the end for the Rossini cocktail!

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Beethoven’s iconic Violin Concerto: what to listen for and why it was an initial flop! Oct 29, 2024

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Why was the premiere a failure, and how did it get back into the repertoire? John Banther and Evan Keely uncover unique characteristics in this concerto, what to listen for, and its beguiling opening!

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The horn: Everything you need to know from Mozart, Mahler, to the movie screen! Oct 15, 2024

Show notes

One of the oldest instruments and one of the most beloved has to be the horn! Chandra Cervantes, one of the most in-demand horn players in the DC area, tells all about its development and use in music, plus, she plays for us some iconic music on the horn. You can find videos and recordings of her playing on the show notes page at classicalbreakdown.org.

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The lives and music of Silvestre Revueltas and Gabriela Lena Frank Oct 01, 2024

Show notes

We explore two influential composers in this episode that you need to know; Silvestre Revueltas and Gabriela Lena Frank. John Banther and Evan Keely highlight works from both composers, aspects of their lives, and what to listen for in their music!

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The Great Unfinished Works Sep 17, 2024

Show notes

From government intrigue, untimely death, or even distraction, there are many reasons why a composer might leave a work unfinished. John Banther and Linda Carducci dive into 5 unfinished works, how they are performed today, look at the surrounding circumstances, and discuss what we could have done to get these works completed in the first place!

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Bruckner's Symphony No. 4 "Romantic"; a monumental masterpiece! Sep 03, 2024

Show notes

We hear a full performance of this iconic symphony at the end of the episode. John and Evan break down everything you need to know, the "Bruckner problem," and show you what to listen for!

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Recommended listening; 4 new albums to listen to this summer! Jun 25, 2024

Show notes

Can you believe it that summer is already here? This is the final episode of Season 5 and I have 4 recently released albums you need to listen to wherever the summer takes you!

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