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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
Leonard Bernstein
Igor Stravinsky
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.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes155Founded7 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Music CommentaryMusicMusic History

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Artwork for Classical Breakdown

Latest Episodes

The first symphonies came from a place of insecurity, but his 3rd exudes confidence from the first note to the last. John Banther and Evan Keely show you what to listen for in Brahms' orchestration, how he uses compositional tools to create new melod... more

A hallmark of tyranny is its desire to control and stifle creative expression. In this episode, in memory of Lubna Alyaan, John Banther and Evan Keely explore three 20th-century composers, what happened to them, and select works that demand your atte... more

Jessie Montgomery and John Banther discuss her popular works, her time writing for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Blacknificent 7 composer group, and her early artistic influences.

YouTube

Enjoy this performance after listening to the previous episode all about Carnival of the Animals by Saint-Saens. (Elephant image: By Muhammad Mahdi Karim)

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Recent Guests

Jessie Montgomery
Grammy Award-winning composer, violinist, and educator
Episode: Meet Grammy-Winning Composer Jessie Montgomery!
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!

Host

John Banther
Host of Classical Breakdown

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 534 ratings
  • Five Stars Programs

    I’ve loved your program ever since I discovered it years ago. I’ve listened to every episode and saved many of my favorites on my phone so I can return to them again and again. All of your co-hosts are truly professional and bring great enthusiasm to the show. I especially enjoy the sense of humor that you and your co-hosts share throughout the program.

    The recent episode about Verdi’s life and music was absolutely wonderful, and I’m very much looking forward to the episode on Verdi’s Requiem, ... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Chen NC
    United States2 months ago
  • Roddyrook

    This is such a good show! Thanks, guys from a regular listener here in Edinburgh. Your insights into classical music are marvellous and add so much to our listening.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Roddyrook
    United Kingdom4 months ago
  • Broadening My Understanding and Appreciation

    As a music-lover of many genres, I have little formal background but have come to love the sweeping breadth and depth of classical music. This podcast has helped me become a better listener and brought to my attention many composers that I would not have otherwise known. My wife and I attend concerts, operas, and chamber music recitals often and this podcast has truly deepened our appreciation and connection to the music. Thank you.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Joshua Sloan
    United States5 months ago
  • I love this podcast!

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

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    FullMoonChild
    United States6 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 States6 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Listeners appreciate the comprehensive insights into classical music and the engaging narratives that accompany them.
Some listeners express a desire for more musical excerpts, indicating a balance between discussion and sound samples is preferred.
Many reviews highlight the educational value of the discussions, making complex topics accessible to a broader audience.
The inclusion of interviews with musicians and composers receives positive feedback, as it enriches the listening experience.

Chart Rankings

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

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Meet Grammy-Winning Composer Jessie Montgomery!
Q: Can you tell us about your upcoming projects?
Jessie shares her upcoming premiere of "These Righteous Paths", a cello concerto commissioned for Abel Sulokoy, with performances in Europe and at Lincoln Center.
Meet Grammy-Winning Composer Jessie Montgomery!
Q: What does it actually entail to be a composer in residence with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra?
The residency involves writing orchestral works, being a part of concert series, and collaborating with the musicians and community.
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.

Audience Metrics

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

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Gender Skew
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Professions
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Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Classical Breakdown

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

The focus is on exploring classical music in depth, offering unique insights into the lives and works of various composers as well as the historical contexts of their compositions. Episodes cover a wide range of topics including notable figures in music history, specific works, thematic explorations such as the impact of tyranny on composers, and the artistic nuances within works from different eras and traditions. Each episode blends education with engaging narratives, making classical music more accessible and relevant to both new listeners and long-time enthusiasts alike.

Noteworthy is the inclusion of live performances and interviews with contemporary artists like Jessie Montgomery and Xuefei Yang, as well as deep dives into lesser-kno... more

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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. The New Yorker Radio Hour
3. In Our Time
4. The Ezra Klein Show
5. You'll Hear It

How many episodes of Classical Breakdown are there?

Classical Breakdown launched 7 years ago and published 155 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. Jessie Montgomery
2. Xuefei Yang
3. Chris DeChiara
4. Maria V
5. Dr. Karen Walwyn
6. Dr. Michael Cooper
7. Chris Gekker
8. Chandra Cervantes

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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