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Artwork for Classical Breakdown

Classical Breakdown

WETA Classical
Opera
WETA Classical
Jean Sibelius
Romeo and Juliet Overture
Finlandia
Music
Nadia Boulanger
Finland
Richard Wagner
Tchaikovsky
Kalevo
Kalevala
Mahler
Eric Korngold
Antonin Dvořák
Joan Tower
Piano
Igor Stravinsky
Leonard Bernstein
Aaron Copland

John Banther takes classical music fans behind the scenes with interviews, deep dives, and analysis. Episodes released bi-weekly on Tuesdays. Produced by WETA Classical in Washington, D.C.

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes139Founded6 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Music HistoryMusic CommentaryMusic

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Artwork for Classical Breakdown

Latest Episodes

Think you can play the triangle? Think again! In our biggest episode yet, we explore the big world of percussion with Chris DeChiara. Using composers from Beethoven to Ozzy Osborne, he demonstrates over a dozen instruments and shares insider secrets ... more

YouTube

Who doesn't love more music? Starting this season, we'll be releasing occasional bonus episodes. We kick it off with a great performance of a suite from Ravel's ballet Daphnis and Chloe.

Support Classical Breakdown: weta.org/donatefm

See o... more

This composer had way more impact on the 20th century than you realize! Join us as we celebrate his life at 150 and look at how he achieved this unique sound, why he was kicked out of school twice, and enjoy a performance of his string quartet.

Sup... more

This work marks a departure from his previous symphonies, which were linked together by vocal music. But what is this? Is this Mahler working through his mortality and uncertainty, or something else? John Banther and Evan Keely show you what to liste... more

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Recent Guests

Chris DeChiara
A veteran percussionist performing across the U.S. and abroad
Episode: The Great World of Percussion with Chris DeChiara: From bones and war drums to symphonies!
Maria V
Pianist and listener who motivated the restoration of Florence Price's grave marker through her actions.
Episode: An update on Florence Price!
Dr. Karen Walwyn
Florence Price expert and pianist who previously discussed Price's life and work.
WETA Classical
Episode: An update on Florence Price!
Dr. Michael Cooper
Price scholar from Southwestern University who assisted in the effort to erect a grave marker for Florence Price.
Southwestern University
Episode: An update on Florence Price!
Chris Gekker
Legendary trumpet player with nearly 200 recordings and former member of the American Brass Quintet.
Juilliard, Manhattan School of Music
Episode: Chris Gekker tells us everything about the trumpet!
Chandra Cervantes
In-demand DC area horn player with extensive performance experience.
Maryland Symphony Orchestra and Enscape
Episode: The horn: Everything you need to know from Mozart, Mahler, to the movie screen!
Amit Peled
Cello soloist and professor
Peabody Conservatory
Episode: What is a cello? Star cellist Amit Peled tells all!
Aaron Goldman
Principal flute of the National Symphony Orchestra.
National Symphony Orchestra
Episode: Episode 100, let's celebrate!
Nareed Bar-Joseph
Concertmaster of the National Symphony Orchestra.
National Symphony Orchestra
Episode: Episode 100, let's celebrate!

Host

John Banther
Host of Classical Breakdown

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 481 ratings
  • I love it!!

    I love this podcast so much!

    I listen almost every day since I discovered. I like the guests and the topics. It is just great!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Pamwgp
    United Kingdom3 months ago
  • Too much talk, too little music

    The discussions are interesting, but the presenters fail to provide more than a couple of very quick musical samples. They know it intimately, but fail to convey this by spoken word alone. So, if you don’t already know the work in question, you’ll get little out of it and wishing you had musical excepts to lock on to. Frustrating.

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    Optimistic runner
    United States6 months ago
  • Educational and Thoughtful

    I appreciate this podcast so much because I am trying to learn more about classical music. I like that they actually play the music and then discuss it. They also choose very interesting pieces, not just the big hits.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Swage me ts
    United States8 months ago
  • Love it

    I have just started listening to this podcast but am already loving it. I’m a recreational piano player and have been on a bit of a break, but listening to your great choices in music has reinvigorated me to delve back into it. Keep up the great commentary.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    CB2567
    Canada10 months ago
  • Great for new and old fans of classical music

    John and the various co-hosts do a great job introducing and presenting music in a way that is completely accessible to newcomers while still providing analytical nuance, nuggets of information, and introductions to less well-known composers and works that keep even life-long fans of classical music like me engaged and entertained. (Thanks Mom, for all of those old Readers Digest LP classical collections). A perfect balance of entertainment and education with the music of the centuries serving a... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    DC Wright
    United States10 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Overall, it is seen as a valuable resource for both novices and seasoned classical music fans.
The podcast is praised for its insightful discussions and deep dives into composers' lives and works.
Listeners appreciate the educational content and the accessible presentation of classical music topics.
Many enjoy the balance of history, music theory, and personal anecdotes shared by the host.
Some feedback suggests a desire for more musical excerpts during discussions to enhance understanding.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#26
United States/Music/Music Commentary
Apple Podcasts
#108
United States/Music
Apple Podcasts
#37
United Kingdom/Music/Music Commentary
Apple Podcasts
#55
Canada/Music/Music Commentary
Apple Podcasts
#175
Canada/Music
Apple Podcasts
#229
United Kingdom/Music

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Maurice Ravel at 150: celebrating his life, music, and influence!
Q: What is it about Ravel's music that resonates with you?
It's the clarity, the purity, and the refinement of textures alongside the gorgeous harmonies.
Ethel Smyth's Mass in D: A 19th century mass by an extraordinary woman!
Q: What is the structure of the Mass in D?
The Mass features unique movements traditionally found in masses, but Smyth innovatively positions the Gloria at the end for a triumphant finish.
Ethel Smyth's Mass in D: A 19th century mass by an extraordinary woman!
Q: Why is Ethel Smyth considered an influential composer?
Smyth was an advocate for women's rights, and her contributions to music and activism make her a unique figure in classical music history.
Ethel Smyth's Mass in D: A 19th century mass by an extraordinary woman!
Q: What can you tell us about Ethel Smyth and her Mass in D?
Ethel Smyth was a British composer, and her Mass in D is a significant work that combines traditional structures with her unique voice and dramatic elements.
Carlos Simon's Songs of Separation: An American song cycle set to poetry of Rumi
Q: Why isn't the conductor and orchestra exactly in sync?
The conductor signals to the orchestra before the event to prepare them for unity in responding, similar to signaling before changing lanes while driving.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
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Frequently Asked Questions About Classical Breakdown

What is Classical Breakdown about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Focused on classical music, the content explores the intricacies of composers, their works, and the historical context surrounding various musical pieces. Listeners can expect deep dives into the lives and contributions of notable figures like Maurice Ravel, Gustav Mahler, and Florence Price, along with discussions about operas, symphonies, and significant compositions. Each episode is paired with musical excerpts, allowing for a rich auditory experience that enhances understanding of the discussed material. This educational approach appeals to both newcomers to classical music and seasoned fans seeking greater insights into the genre's complexities.

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Which podcasts are similar to Classical Breakdown?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Classical Breakdown:

1. Sticky Notes: The Classical Music Podcast
2. Gramophone Classical Music Podcast
3. Piano Puzzler
4. In Our Time
5. The New Yorker Radio Hour

How many episodes of Classical Breakdown are there?

Classical Breakdown launched 6 years ago and published 139 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Classical Breakdown?

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What guests have appeared on Classical Breakdown?

Recent guests on Classical Breakdown include:

1. Chris DeChiara
2. Maria V
3. Dr. Karen Walwyn
4. Dr. Michael Cooper
5. Chris Gekker
6. Chandra Cervantes
7. Amit Peled
8. Aaron Goldman

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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