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

  • 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!
  • 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!