Classical Breakdown

Haydn's masterpiece for 4 soloists and orchestra, the Sinfonia Concertante

We've come to know the concerto as a work showcasing a single soloist with (or sometimes against)...

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• 4 días

The Evolution of the Piano: A Thousand Year Journey!

It's one of the most common musical instruments, but where did it come from and how did we get...

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• 18 días

Joan Tower's Concerto for Orchestra, an adventure in color, illusion, and rhythm!

There aren't that many examples of a "concerto" for orchestra, and in Joan Tower's, it's an...

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• 1 mes

The secret life of a classical recording engineer: Meet WETA's Charles Lawson

Have you ever wondered how to record an orchestra but were too afraid to ask? Critically...

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• 1 mes

The life and music of Antonin Dvořák; from humble beginnings to stardom!

We'll enjoy his Symphony No. 9 "From the New World" at the end, but first we look at his...

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• 2 meses

6 recommended works by living Black composers!

We celebrate the music of living Black composers with 6 recommended works spanning violin and...

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• 2 meses

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

The sounds of Hollywood are found throughout this enduring concerto. John Banther and Evan Keely...

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• 3 meses

Episode 100, let's celebrate!

We have a full symphony by Mahler to listen to after we enjoy highlights from the past 99...

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• 3 meses

Jean Sibelius, how a composer became the voice of a nation!

Few countries have elevated a composer like Finland and Jean Sibelius. John Banther and Evan...

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• 4 meses

Augusta Holmès' Andromède; an epic Greek myth inspired symphonic poem!

You may not recognize the composer or piece, but this is a work that deserves your attention!...

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• 4 meses

Opera 101, everything you wanted to know but were afraid to ask!

Feeling dramatic? Opera has you covered! John Banther and Linda Carducci go on a journey through...

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• 5 meses

Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet Overture: 3 themes and Shakespearean connections!

It's one of the more familiar works in the repertoire, but how well do you know the 3 major...

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• 5 meses

The inspiring life and music of Germaine Tailleferre: plus 5 recommended works!

She was a pioneering French composer who helped shape the sound of France's music post World War...

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• 6 meses

The Nocturne, a journey from the 19th century to Daft Punk!

How easily can a genre of music be defined? John Banther and Linda Carducci explore the origins...

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• 6 meses

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

Respighi is our tour guide as we explore 4 different scenes in Rome inspired by their iconic...

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• 6 meses

The short yet musically prolific life of Franz Schubert

He was a composer who seemed to fit some of the "tragic artist" stereotypes of the Romantic...

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• 7 meses

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

Unforgettable melodies, rich harmonies, and technical fireworks encompass this concerto which is...

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• 7 meses

Summer Listening Guide: 4 albums to expand your musical horizons!

Discover new favorites as John Banther showcases 4 recent releases that deserve your attention...

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• 10 meses

Theme and Variations: 4 types and what to listen for!

It might be one of the oldest ideas in all of music (of any kind!), but, how did it develop in...

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• 10 meses

The Illustrious Life and Music of Haydn: From hardship to stardom

Enjoy a performance of one of Haydn's iconic concertos at the end of the episode! We talk about...

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• 11 meses