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.

Latest Episode

Ethel Smyth's Mass in D: A 19th century mass by an extraordinary woman!

Episode 126 March 4, 2025

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 life as she was an aggressive suffragette, women's rights advocate, and openly bisexual composer in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Episodes

  • Olly Wilson, an American composer that will change how you hear music!

    Olly Wilson, an American composer that will change how you hear music!

    Episode 125 February 18, 2025

    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 his works and look at his work in musicology that will change how you hear music!
  • Lincoln Portrait: Aaron Copland's defense of Democracy

    Lincoln Portrait: Aaron Copland's defense of Democracy

    Episode 123 January 21, 2025

    Music was used in World War 2 like never before, from propaganda to national pride. John Banther and Evan Keely explore Copland's musical effort to rally a defense for democracy using Abraham Lincoln's timeless words and examine why it was banned from a Presidential inauguration. 
  • Chris Gekker tells us everything about the trumpet!

    Chris Gekker tells us everything about the trumpet!

    Episode 122 January 7, 2025

    We take a glimpse into the massive world and history of the trumpet! From its use in military battles and physical dangers to beautifully soft moments on the stage, world-renowned trumpeter and teacher Chris Gekker joins John Banther for a wide-ranging discussion on the trumpet, and he plays examples for us too!
  • Your Guide to JS Bach's Cello Suites!

    Your Guide to JS Bach's Cello Suites!

    Episode 121 December 24, 2024

    WETA resident cello player James Jacobs joins John Banther for a deep dive into the 6 iconic cello suites by JS Bach. With cello in hand, James demonstrates different aspects of the suites and shows us what to listen for, plus we enjoy a full recording performance of one of the suites at the end!
  • Aaron Copland: The Sound of America

    Aaron Copland: The Sound of America

    Episode 120 December 10, 2024

    One of the most iconic American composers was at one point even considered by some to be "un-American." John Banther and Evan Keely explore Copland's life, works you probably don't know, what influenced him, how he created an "American" sound, and why he was questioned at length in a senate subcommittee hearing in 1953. 
  • The horn: Everything you need to know from Mozart, Mahler, to the movie screen!

    The horn: Everything you need to know from Mozart, Mahler, to the movie screen!

    Episode 116 October 15, 2024

    One of the oldest instruments and one of the most beloved has to be the horn! Chandra Cervantes, one of the most in-demand horn players in the DC area, tells all about its development and use in music, plus, she plays for us some iconic music on the horn. You can find videos and recordings of her playing on the show notes page at classicalbreakdown.org. 
  • 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!