Dive deep into some of the favorite pieces in Classical music!

From intimate music for solo piano to grand masterpieces for a symphony orchestra, discover your new favorite pieces, and the thrilling stories behind the music.

Listen to the episodes below and use the activity sheet to deepen your understanding.

Activity Sheet

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Let's Go to the Symphony!

As you listen to your chosen episode, take notes with the given questions in mind. When you are finished, write a review of the piece, as if you are a music critic for a newspaper!

Teachers/Parents:
The goal is for the student to listen to the episode critically, all the while thinking for themselves and considering what their personal takeaway is from learning about the piece. More than absorbing facts, the exercise encourages the student to relate to the piece in a personal way, forming their own opinions, and letting the music spark their creativity.
 

Episodes

  • 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
  • 6 recommended works by living Black composers!

    6 recommended works by living Black composers!

    Episode 102 February 6, 2024

    We celebrate the music of living Black composers with 6 recommended works spanning violin and piano to the full orchestra! Go to the show notes page at classicalbreakdown.org for more information on these composers, links to recordings, and links to resources.
  • Korngold's Violin Concerto, from the Golden Age of Hollywood!

    Korngold's Violin Concerto, from the Golden Age of Hollywood!

    Episode 101 January 23, 2024

    The sounds of Hollywood are found throughout this enduring concerto. John Banther and Evan Keely show you moments in the music to listen for, how Korngold does things differently, which movies ended up in this concerto, and discuss why this concerto has remained so popular!
  • Respighi's The Pines of Rome: a picturesque tour of Rome!

    Respighi's The Pines of Rome: a picturesque tour of Rome!

    Episode 93 October 3, 2023

    Respighi is our tour guide as we explore 4 different scenes in Rome inspired by their iconic Stone pine trees. John Banther and Evan Keely explore his cutting-edge use of technology, how he uses ancient musical references, how he achieves some of these unique timbres, and more!
  • Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2: a musical comeback story!

    Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2: a musical comeback story!

    Episode 91 September 5, 2023

    Unforgettable melodies, rich harmonies, and technical fireworks encompass this concerto which is also one of the great musical comeback stories! Join us to learn what to listen for as we examine the music, personal letters, and even a recording of the composer himself at the piano. 
  • Mahler's Symphony No. 1: A rewarding symphonic journey!

    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!

Support for arts and education programming on WETA comes from the Estate of Toni A. Ritzenberg.