Classical Breakdown

Latest Episode

It's the final episode of Season 6, and per tradition, it's an episode with recommended summer listening. Thank you very much for listening, rating, and sharing the podcast as it continues to grow year after year with your help! In this episode, there 4 albums to explore, taking us on a journey to ancient cities, flirtatious oboe playing, an emotional rollercoaster, and more!

Show Notes

Episodes

In conversation with Maestro Gianandrea Noseda: His journey, perspectives on music, conducting, and more!

Episode 86 May 2, 2023

This charismatic Italian has become one of the most sought-after conductors for both orchestras and opera houses. John Banther and Gianandrea Noseda discuss early musical experiences, preparing familiar works, the importance of recordings, ways to relax, and much more!
- Show Notes
Mahler's Symphony No. 1: A rewarding symphonic journey!

Episode 85 April 18, 2023

One of the more original first symphonies from a composer, Gustav Mahler's entry into the symphonic world was initially misunderstood. John Banther and Evan Keely break down what made this symphony different, what to listen for, and why the journey is worth the test of patience!
- Show Notes
Fantasia: Music from the realm of imagination!

Episode 84 April 4, 2023

Go on a journey through time with us as we explore a genre of music called the Fantasia! John Banther and Evan Keely discuss how the genre started, evolved, and captured our hearts and imaginations for centuries.
- Show Notes
The life and music of Cecile Chaminade: Genius has no gender

Episode 83 March 21, 2023

She persisted and created her own success in defiance of the sexism faced at home and abroad. We explore her life, works you need to hear, and even hear a 122-year-old recording of Chaminade herself!
- Show Notes
Women in Music: 6 works by 6 composers you should know

Episode 82 March 7, 2023

We explore in detail 6 works by 6 different living composers for a variety of instruments like solo cello, a string quartet, a piano concerto, and more! Visit the show notes page for more information on these composers and resources to find more.
- Show Notes
Ravel's Piano Concerto for Left Hand: A masterpiece of musical illusions and creativity!

Episode 81 February 21, 2023

There are a lot of questions and considerations when it comes to writing a piano concerto for a single hand. John Banther and Evan Keely explore the origins of this masterpiece and all the ways in which Ravel makes it sound larger than its parts.
- Show Notes
Joseph Bologne, the most interesting 18th century composer?

Episode 80 February 7, 2023

If there was a "most interesting man in the world" it would be Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges. He wasn't just a virtuoso violinist, composer, and conductor, he was also one of Europe's greatest fencers, and a military man who led a legion in the French Revolution.
- Show Notes
Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 6 "Pathetique": A symphony of unanswerable questions

Episode 79 January 24, 2023

No matter how many times you've heard this work, there is much to discover! John Banther and Evan Keely examine letters from his final year, musical examples, and fascinating compositional techniques in search of answers to this enigmatic symphony.
- Show Notes
Antonio Vivaldi's life, music, and the women who shaped his career

Episode 78 January 10, 2023

Did a volcano erupt when he was born, what illness plagued his priesthood, and why did he write so many concertos? Join us to learn all about Vivaldi's life and appreciate the composer from a new angle.
- Show Notes
Brahms' Haydn Variations: Don't judge a theme by its composer!

Episode 77 December 27, 2022

Brahms wrote for the orchestra late in life, and surprisingly little compared to the impact the resulting works made. John Banther and Evan Keely get into the details and share everything you need to know about this masterpiece by Brahms.
- Show Notes
A holiday gem: Margaret Bonds' The Ballad of the Brown King

Episode 76 December 13, 2022

This work for choir and orchestra might become your new holiday favorite! Bonds' takes us on an evocative musical journey with more in the story than meets the eye.
- Show Notes
George Frideric Handel: life of fame, musical style, and 3 things you didn't know before!

Episode 75 November 29, 2022

He's one of history's most famous composers, but how much do you really know about Handel? Join us to learn about his life, music, and desire for fame; plus 3 things about him you didn't know before!
- Show Notes