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Artwork for Classical Breakdown

Classical Breakdown

WETA Classical
Opera
WETA Classical
Jean Sibelius
Romeo and Juliet Overture
Music
Finlandia
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 monthlyEpisodes143Founded6 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
MusicMusic CommentaryMusic History

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Artwork for Classical Breakdown

Latest Episodes

Death has been depicted in music to console, frighten, warn, and entertain for over 400 years. In fact, the most quoted motif about death is also the oldest, and you know it intimately whether you realize it or not! John Banther and Evan Keely take y... more

I'm excited to bring you more from Xuefei Yang with these three performances taken from her YouTube channel (where you will find plenty more performances!).

She is one of today's great living guitarists, and in this episode, she tells us all about her new album Chapeu Satie. Xuefei explains how she approaches transcribing and arranging for the guitar, why she chose to include flute and voice, and perform... more

Beethoven pushed the symphonic form in a new direction with this heroic work that sounds larger than the sum of its parts. John Banther and Evan Keely show you what to listen for, how it pushed boundaries in 19th-century music, the famous Napoleon de... more

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Recent Guests

Xuefei Yang
Renowned guitarist, the first person in China to study classical guitar in conservatory
Independent Artist
Episode: Xuefei Yang performs Erik Satie and shares insight into her new album!
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!

Host

John Banther
Host of Classical Breakdown

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 502 ratings
  • I love this podcast!

    As a classical music enthusiast, I simply love this podcast!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    FullMoonChild
    United States2 months ago
  • A must listen pod for any music fan

    Simply the best podcast about classical music. The detail and explanations are simple and clear, even for a non-musical person like me. I love classical music and the insights and background have made me develop even greater affection for some of my favorite composers and pieces while introducing me to new composers and musicians.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    mikebarresi
    United States2 months ago
  • 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 Kingdom4 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 States8 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 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.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Xuefei Yang performs Erik Satie and shares insight into her new album!
Q: Did you have any idea of doing anything different with this music that is not quite traditional?
Xuefei expressed that she took a different approach with Satie's music by focusing particularly on the evocation of feelings rather than adhering strictly to the notes.
Xuefei Yang performs Erik Satie and shares insight into her new album!
Q: How does Satie compare to preparing works by someone like JS Bach, who it's mostly transcriptions?
Spanish composers usually incorporate elements of Spanish music that translate beautifully to guitar, while Bach wrote extensively for multiple instruments, making his music adaptable for guitar transcriptions.
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.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

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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How many listeners does Classical Breakdown get?

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How many subscribers and views does Classical Breakdown have?

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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. The Chopin Podcast
4. Piano Puzzler
5. The Book Review

How many episodes of Classical Breakdown are there?

Classical Breakdown launched 6 years ago and published 143 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. Xuefei Yang
2. Chris DeChiara
3. Maria V
4. Dr. Karen Walwyn
5. Dr. Michael Cooper
6. Chris Gekker
7. Chandra Cervantes
8. Amit Peled

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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