Classical Breakdown

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.

Episodes

  • The Great Unfinished Works

    The Great Unfinished Works

    Episode 114 September 17, 2024

    From government intrigue, untimely death, or even distraction, there are many reasons why a composer might leave a work unfinished. John Banther and Linda Carducci dive into 5 unfinished works, how they are performed today, look at the surrounding circumstances, and discuss what we could have done to get these works completed in the first place!
  • Elgar's Enigma Variations, a portrait of friends, life, and love!

    Elgar's Enigma Variations, a portrait of friends, life, and love!

    Episode 110 May 28, 2024

    We enjoy a full performance of the Enigma Variations at the end of the episode, but first, we get into the people and places depicted in colorful detail in Elgar's masterpiece. John Banther and Evan Keely uncover hidden clues in the music, the types of people Elgar depicts, and what the Enigma could possibly be (but isn't).
  • Robert Schumann's Carnaval: A solo piano brings a masked ball to life!

    Robert Schumann's Carnaval: A solo piano brings a masked ball to life!

    Episode 109 May 14, 2024

    Real and fictional characters come to life in this incredibly challenging work for piano that also includes musical puzzles. John Banther and Linda Carducci explore all the characters and how Schumann depicts them in music, the ciphers, discarded movements, and more. plus we enjoy a full performance of it by Sergei Rachmaninoff!
  • Haydn's masterpiece for 4 soloists and orchestra, the Sinfonia Concertante

    Haydn's masterpiece for 4 soloists and orchestra, the Sinfonia Concertante

    Episode 107 April 16, 2024

    We've come to know the concerto as a work showcasing a single soloist with (or sometimes against) an orchestra, but what if a work has not 1... but 4 soloists at the same time? And what if it is also bringing in ideas from the symphony? John Banther and Evan Keely take a look at one of the defining works in the genre, show you what to listen for, and discuss why Haydn might have written it in the first place
  • The Evolution of the Piano: A Thousand Year Journey!

    The Evolution of the Piano: A Thousand Year Journey!

    Episode 106 April 2, 2024

    It's one of the most common musical instruments, but where did it come from and how did we get here? John Banther and Linda Carducci go on a journey through time to trace the evolution of the piano and its various forms. Plus, why is it so fun to see pianos fall from high places??