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

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...

Episodes

  • The life of Strauss Jr. aka "The Waltz King"

    The life of Strauss Jr. aka "The Waltz King"

    Episode 33 December 29, 2020

    His music is celebrated today, especially around New Year's, and his waltzes are bound to put a smile on your face. Learn about Strauss Jr.'s life, his music, and a surprising answer he gave a New York reporter about his visit to Boston.
  • Beethoven's Symphony No. 9

    Beethoven's Symphony No. 9

    Episode 31 December 1, 2020

    Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 was revolutionary, but if all you know is the "Ode to Joy" you are missing out! From it's opening notes to the final crescendo, join Bill Bukowski and John Banther for a musical deep dive into Beethoven's final symphony.
  • What is a string quartet?

    What is a string quartet?

    Episode 30 November 17, 2020

    Is it the ultimate test for a composer? Discover its origins and how this genre evolved over centuries with James Jacobs and John Banther.
  • The life of Tchaikovsky

    The life of Tchaikovsky

    Episode 28 October 20, 2020

    From his humble beginnings to becoming one of the greatest composers, explore the life and music of Tchaikovsky.
  • What is an Overture?

    What is an Overture?

    Episode 27 October 6, 2020

    Is an Overture defined by the kind of music it contains or simply where it appears in a concert? The answer can change throughout history, and with musical examples, John and Nicole get into the details of this "bite-size music."
  • Rimsky-Korsakov's enchanting Scheherazade

    Rimsky-Korsakov's enchanting Scheherazade

    Episode 26 September 22, 2020

    Discover the musical details and backstory of a work that's captivated listeners for over a century. John Banther and Linda Carducci discuss its origins and use their imagination to fill in the musical gaps.
  • The life of Beethoven

    The life of Beethoven

    Episode 25 September 8, 2020

    Discover the life and works of one classical music's greatest composers! His life was full of groundbreaking music, but it was also tragic as he dealt with family problems and hearing loss. We explore the details of his life and listen to samples of his music, from his first composition to his final Symphony No. 9.
  • Season 2 returns September 8!

    Season 2 returns September 8!

    Episode 25 September 1, 2020

    Did Beethoven do celebrity endorsements? How many beans were in his cup of coffee? Was he cruel, or just misunderstood? Learn all about the life of Beethoven with John Banther and Bill Bukowski when Classical Breakdown returns September 8. Then on September 22 Linda Carducci joins John Banther for a deep dive into Rimsky-Korsakov's enchanting Scheherazade.