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Artwork for Classical Breakdown

Classical Breakdown

WETA Classical
Opera
WETA Classical
Jean Sibelius
Romeo and Juliet Overture
Music
Finlandia
Nadia Boulanger
Finland
Richard Wagner
Tchaikovsky
Kalevala
Kalevo
Mahler
Eric Korngold
Antonin Dvořák
Joan Tower
Piano
Igor Stravinsky
Leonard Bernstein
Aaron Copland

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.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes147Founded6 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
MusicMusic CommentaryMusic History

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Artwork for Classical Breakdown

Latest Episodes

She didn't have a typical upbringing like other composers, and forged her own way with private teachers and determination. John Banther and Evan Keely explore the wide range of repertoire she composed, from symphonies to songs, and look at events tha... more

This, the only orchestral output from Clara Wieck, might be one of the few 19th-century concertos written by a teenager that still occupies the concert stage today, and its popularity is only increasing. Join hosts John Banther and Linda Carducci to ... more

For a limited time, we can enjoy a recent live performance of Adolphus Hailstork's An American Port of Call. Ken David-Masur conducts the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra in this performance, and after this you can find more on the MSO YouTube page!

Hailstork has been writing music and teaching for over 5 decades, and his work has documented in music major American moments, from the bicentennial, 9/11, George Floyd, and even infrastructure. John Banther and Evan Keely explore his life, studies w... more

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Recent Guests

Xuefei Yang
Renowned guitarist, the first person in China to study classical guitar in conservatory
Independent Artist
Episode: Xuefei Yang performs Erik Satie and shares insight into her new album!
Chris DeChiara
A veteran percussionist performing across the U.S. and abroad
Episode: The Great World of Percussion with Chris DeChiara: From bones and war drums to symphonies!
Maria V
Pianist and listener who motivated the restoration of Florence Price's grave marker through her actions.
Episode: An update on Florence Price!
Dr. Karen Walwyn
Florence Price expert and pianist who previously discussed Price's life and work.
WETA Classical
Episode: An update on Florence Price!
Dr. Michael Cooper
Price scholar from Southwestern University who assisted in the effort to erect a grave marker for Florence Price.
Southwestern University
Episode: An update on Florence Price!
Chris Gekker
Legendary trumpet player with nearly 200 recordings and former member of the American Brass Quintet.
Juilliard, Manhattan School of Music
Episode: Chris Gekker tells us everything about the trumpet!
Chandra Cervantes
In-demand DC area horn player with extensive performance experience.
Maryland Symphony Orchestra and Enscape
Episode: The horn: Everything you need to know from Mozart, Mahler, to the movie screen!
Amit Peled
Cello soloist and professor
Peabody Conservatory
Episode: What is a cello? Star cellist Amit Peled tells all!
Aaron Goldman
Principal flute of the National Symphony Orchestra.
National Symphony Orchestra
Episode: Episode 100, let's celebrate!

Host

John Banther
Host of a show that takes classical music fans behind the scenes through interviews, deep dives, and analysis.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 515 ratings
  • Roddyrook

    This is such a good show! Thanks, guys from a regular listener here in Edinburgh. Your insights into classical music are marvellous and add so much to our listening.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Roddyrook
    United Kingdoma month ago
  • Broadening My Understanding and Appreciation

    As a music-lover of many genres, I have little formal background but have come to love the sweeping breadth and depth of classical music. This podcast has helped me become a better listener and brought to my attention many composers that I would not have otherwise known. My wife and I attend concerts, operas, and chamber music recitals often and this podcast has truly deepened our appreciation and connection to the music. Thank you.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Joshua Sloan
    United States2 months ago
  • I love this podcast!

    As a classical music enthusiast, I simply love this podcast!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    FullMoonChild
    United States3 months ago
  • A must listen pod for any music fan

    Simply the best podcast about classical music. The detail and explanations are simple and clear, even for a non-musical person like me. I love classical music and the insights and background have made me develop even greater affection for some of my favorite composers and pieces while introducing me to new composers and musicians.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    mikebarresi
    United States3 months ago
  • I love it!!

    I love this podcast so much!

    I listen almost every day since I discovered. I like the guests and the topics. It is just great!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Pamwgp
    United Kingdom5 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners appreciate the show's depth and clarity, finding it educational and engaging, particularly enjoying the blend of historical context and personal insights into classical music.
It has been praised for making classical music more accessible to newcomers and providing informative content for seasoned fans.
Some feedback notes a desire for more musical excerpts during discussions to enhance learning experiences.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#36
United States/Music/Music Commentary
Apple Podcasts
#157
United States/Music
Apple Podcasts
#61
United Kingdom/Music/Music Commentary
Apple Podcasts
#68
Canada/Music/Music Commentary
Apple Podcasts
#135
Canada/Music
Apple Podcasts
#224
United Kingdom/Music

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Xuefei Yang performs Erik Satie and shares insight into her new album!
Q: Did you have any idea of doing anything different with this music that is not quite traditional?
Xuefei expressed that she took a different approach with Satie's music by focusing particularly on the evocation of feelings rather than adhering strictly to the notes.
Xuefei Yang performs Erik Satie and shares insight into her new album!
Q: How does Satie compare to preparing works by someone like JS Bach, who it's mostly transcriptions?
Spanish composers usually incorporate elements of Spanish music that translate beautifully to guitar, while Bach wrote extensively for multiple instruments, making his music adaptable for guitar transcriptions.
Maurice Ravel at 150: celebrating his life, music, and influence!
Q: What is it about Ravel's music that resonates with you?
It's the clarity, the purity, and the refinement of textures alongside the gorgeous harmonies.
Ethel Smyth's Mass in D: A 19th century mass by an extraordinary woman!
Q: What is the structure of the Mass in D?
The Mass features unique movements traditionally found in masses, but Smyth innovatively positions the Gloria at the end for a triumphant finish.
Ethel Smyth's Mass in D: A 19th century mass by an extraordinary woman!
Q: Why is Ethel Smyth considered an influential composer?
Smyth was an advocate for women's rights, and her contributions to music and activism make her a unique figure in classical music history.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Classical Breakdown

What is Classical Breakdown about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Designed for classical music enthusiasts, this podcast offers insightful discussions, interviews, and deep dives into various aspects of classical music. The content centers on composers, specific compositions, and historical contexts, allowing listeners to appreciate both well-known and lesser-known works. The engaging format combines analytical commentary with personal anecdotes from well-respected guests, giving depth to the music being explored. With a focus on music education, the episodes aim to make classical music more accessible to newcomers while still providing rich content for seasoned listeners.

A unique aspect of this series is its capacity to connect historical narratives with contemporary interpretations, often inviting mus... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Classical Breakdown?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Classical Breakdown:

1. Sticky Notes: The Classical Music Podcast
2. Aria Code
3. The Open Ears Project
4. Gramophone Classical Music Podcast
5. The History of Literature

How many episodes of Classical Breakdown are there?

Classical Breakdown launched 6 years ago and published 147 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Classical Breakdown?

Recent guests on Classical Breakdown include:

1. Xuefei Yang
2. Chris DeChiara
3. Maria V
4. Dr. Karen Walwyn
5. Dr. Michael Cooper
6. Chris Gekker
7. Chandra Cervantes
8. Amit Peled

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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