Classical Breakdown

Latest Episodes:

Korngold's Violin Concerto, from the Golden Age of Hollywood! Jan 23, 2024

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The sounds of Hollywood are found throughout this enduring concerto. John Banther and Evan Keely show you moments in the music to listen for, how Korngold does things differently, which movies ended up in this concerto, and discuss why this concerto has remained so popular!

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Episode 100, let's celebrate! Jan 09, 2024

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We have a full symphony by Mahler to listen to after we enjoy highlights from the past 99 episodes! Let's take time to experience again the musicians who demonstrated their instruments, fascinating insights from guests, and our favorite moments from over the years.

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Jean Sibelius, how a composer became the voice of a nation! Dec 26, 2023

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Few countries have elevated a composer like Finland and Jean Sibelius. John Banther and Evan Keely look into his breakout success, symphonies, dramatic life events, and how he incorporates Finnish culture into music. Plus, what do Sibelius, Gilmore Girls, and Lord of The Rings have in common?

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Augusta Holmès' Andromède; an epic Greek myth inspired symphonic poem! Dec 12, 2023

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You may not recognize the composer or piece, but this is a work that deserves your attention! John Banther and Evan Keely explore the poem and how it comes to life in the music, which operatic composer she's invoking, and why sea monsters have such short musical motifs.

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Opera 101, everything you wanted to know but were afraid to ask! Nov 28, 2023

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Feeling dramatic? Opera has you covered! John Banther and Linda Carducci go on a journey through time on the origins, evolution, and dramatic moments of this enduring musical art form. Plus, recommended listening for each time period along the way.

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Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet Overture: 3 themes and Shakespearean connections! Nov 14, 2023

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It's one of the more familiar works in the repertoire, but how well do you know the 3 major themes and Shakespearean connections? John Banther and Shakespeare enthusiast James Jacobs show you what to listen for, how much Tchaikovsky loved Shakespeare, theatrical elements in the music, and more!

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The inspiring life and music of Germaine Tailleferre: plus 5 recommended works! Oct 31, 2023

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She was a pioneering French composer who helped shape the sound of France's music post World War I, but she also faced extraordinary challenges. John Banther and Evan Keely explore her music, life events, give you 5 recommended works to listen to!

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The Nocturne, a journey from the 19th century to Daft Punk! Oct 17, 2023

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How easily can a genre of music be defined? John Banther and Linda Carducci explore the origins of the Nocturne and how it evolved from its simple defining characteristics over the next 200 years.

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Respighi's The Pines of Rome: a picturesque tour of Rome! Oct 03, 2023

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Respighi is our tour guide as we explore 4 different scenes in Rome inspired by their iconic Stone pine trees. John Banther and Evan Keely explore his cutting-edge use of technology, how he uses ancient musical references, how he achieves some of these unique timbres, and more!

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The short yet musically prolific life of Franz Schubert Sep 19, 2023

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He was a composer who seemed to fit some of the "tragic artist" stereotypes of the Romantic period, he was prolific, had unrequited love, and died tragically young. John Banther and James Jacobs explore Schubert's life, his unrivaled gift for melody, efficiency with composing, his arrest, and more!

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