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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
Kalevala
Kalevo
Mahler
Eric Korngold
Antonin Dvořák
Joan Tower
Piano
Aaron Copland
Leonard Bernstein
Igor Stravinsky

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.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes128Founded6 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Music HistoryMusicMusic Commentary

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Artwork for Classical Breakdown

Latest Episodes

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... more

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 li... more

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 ... more

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... more

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Recent Guests

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!
Sue Heineman
Principal bassoon of the National Symphony Orchestra.
National Symphony Orchestra
Episode: Episode 100, let's celebrate!
Nicholas Stovall
Principal oboe of the National Symphony Orchestra.
National Symphony Orchestra
Episode: Episode 100, let's celebrate!
Daniel Foster
Principal viola of the National Symphony Orchestra.
National Symphony Orchestra
Episode: Episode 100, let's celebrate!
Linh Ma
Principal clarinet of the National Symphony Orchestra.
National Symphony Orchestra
Episode: Episode 100, let's celebrate!

Host

John Banther
Host engaging classical music fans through interviews, deep dives, and musical analysis, focusing on the intersection of history and melody.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 431 ratings
  • 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 States2 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
    Canada4 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 States4 months ago
  • Great Podcast

    Hello, I’m a professional classical musician and this is my favorite podcast on the subject. Keep up the great work! Your show is both educational and entertaining and very well produced. Thank you!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    FinnyFinnyFinny
    United States6 months ago
  • Fantastic insights, great podcast

    I would give this a full five stars if the background music (which changes frequently and I personally find overly distracting from the otherwise beautiful depth and flow of these guys’ conversations) could be limited to JUST musical examples relevant to whatever person/composition they are actively discussing

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    glaKFaTher
    United States8 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Listeners appreciate the educational and entertaining qualities of the content, often highlighting the accessible presentation of complex musical topics.
Several listeners find the podcast enjoyable for its insightful exploration of lesser-known works and figures in classical music history.
Overall, the positive reception emphasizes the informative nature of discussions and performances, making it a valued resource for classical music lovers.
The engaging commentary and expertise of the host are consistently praised, with suggestions also made for more niche topics or composers.
Many reviews mention the balance between entertainment and education, suggesting that the podcast caters to both newcomers and classical music aficionados.

Chart Rankings

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

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

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.
Chris Gekker tells us everything about the trumpet!
Q: What has been maybe your wildest, strangest, interestingest, or just crazy experience on stage?
Chris recounts a tour of Asia with the American Brass Quintet where, during a performance, the audience sang along softly to 'A Beautiful Dreamer', creating a profound connection.

Audience Metrics

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

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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 navigates both historical and contemporary elements of the genre, offering an engaging mix of interviews, analysis, and insightful discussions. Notably, it covers iconic composers and lesser-known figures, exploring not just their music but also the cultural contexts in which they lived and worked. Listeners can expect to gain deeper insights into specific pieces of music, with expert commentary that appeals to both novices and seasoned classical music enthusiasts alike, making it an accessible resource for those interested in the genre's evolution and dynamics.

Where can I find podcast stats for Classical Breakdown?

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How many listeners does Classical Breakdown get?

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What are the audience demographics for Classical Breakdown?

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How many subscribers and views does Classical Breakdown have?

To see how many followers or subscribers Classical Breakdown has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.

Which podcasts are similar to Classical Breakdown?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Classical Breakdown:

1. Sticky Notes: The Classical Music Podcast
2. Piano Puzzler
3. Music Student 101
4. The History of Literature
5. The Book Review

How many episodes of Classical Breakdown are there?

Classical Breakdown launched 6 years ago and published 128 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?

Our systems regularly scour the web to find email addresses and social media links for this podcast. We scanned the web and collated all of the contact information that we could find in our podcast database. But in the unlikely event that you can't find what you're looking for, our concierge service lets you request our research team to source better contacts for you.

Where can I see ratings and reviews for Classical Breakdown?

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What guests have appeared on Classical Breakdown?

Recent guests on Classical Breakdown include:

1. Chris Gekker
2. Chandra Cervantes
3. Amit Peled
4. Aaron Goldman
5. Nareed Bar-Joseph
6. Sue Heineman
7. Nicholas Stovall
8. Daniel Foster

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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