Classical Breakdown

<p>The Bass is one of the largest and lowest instruments in the orchestra. Learn how it evolved and was used over the centuries, how it can play solos just like any other instrument, and more!</p><p><a href="https://weta.org/donatefm" rel="payment">Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm</a></p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

<p>Her final symphony is one that deserves your attention and is now performed more often. John Banther and James Jacobs discuss the challenges she faced with sexism and the French attitude towards symphonies at the time, what to listen for, influences, and her unique orchestration. </p><p><a href="https://weta.org/donatefm" rel="payment">Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm</a></p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

<p>She was a composer, prodigy, and was considered one of the greatest pianists of the 19th century. Linda and John discuss various aspects of her compositions, education, and complicated career. Also, we share a heroic story of Clara you likely haven't heard before!</p><p><a href="https://weta.org/donatefm" rel="payment">Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm</a></p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

<p>It was the first symphony of an African-American woman to be performed by a major US orchestra. John Banther and Nicole Lacroix talk about how she found time to write, a hidden motif to listen for, Americana aspects of the symphony, and more. </p><p><a href="https://weta.org/donatefm" rel="payment">Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm</a></p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

<p>DC native composer, George Walker, was one of the great American composers of the 20th and 21st centuries. His close friend and colleague, Dr. Mickey Terry, joins John Banther to discuss his life, challenges, and three works you need to listen to.</p><p><a href="https://weta.org/donatefm" rel="payment">Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm</a></p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

<p>There is always something new to discover, no matter how many times you've heard a piece. Our resident cello player, James Jacobs, joins John Banther to give you 5 things to listen for in this masterpiece that you've either missed or could experience differently. </p><p><a href="https://weta.org/donatefm" rel="payment">Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm</a></p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

<p>Have you ever wondered how an orchestra puts a full season of concerts together? Nigel Boon, Director of Artistic Planning shows how he juggles multiple seasons of concerts involving many conductors, soloists, commissions, programs, and more!</p><p><a href="https://weta.org/donatefm" rel="payment">Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm</a></p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

<p>His music helped define the sound and direction of the Romantic period of the 19th century across different forms; like music for piano, song, chamber music, and symphonies. John Banther and Linda Carducci talk about characteristics to listen for in his music, why he became a composer, and how literature played a part in his works. </p><p><a href="https://weta.org/donatefm" rel="payment">Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm</a></p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

<p>It's a holiday classic that is becoming more popular, especially in the Washington area. Bill Bukowski joins John Banther to explain everything we need to know in this masterpiece. From how it was originally performed, expected audience participation, and how Bach reused old music. Plus, we have some listener mail and a special Classical Breakdown challenge. </p><p><a href="https://weta.org/donatefm" rel="payment">Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm</a></p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

<p>Here is what to listen for, know, and appreciate when it comes to West Side Story before you watch the 2021 movie remake!</p><p><a href="https://weta.org/donatefm" rel="payment">Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm</a></p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

<p>Known as the Dean of Afro-American Composers, William Grant Still wrote a variety of music, from symphony, opera, ballet, to popular song, and more. Gayle Murchinson, Associate Professor of Music at William and Mary, joins John Banther to discuss Still's life and explore his music across three aesthetics that she describes as Ultramodern, Racial, and Universal. </p><p><a href="https://weta.org/donatefm" rel="payment">Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm</a></p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

<p>Composed in his final year, this concerto is one of Mozart's last and most enduring works. Nicole and John explore the origins of the concerto, which was originally for a slightly different and more obscure instrument. They also talk about what to listen for in each movement and even give a little music theory lesson to explore some unintended consequences in the music. </p><p><a href="https://weta.org/donatefm" rel="payment">Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm</a></p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

<p>Linda and John uncover details about Rachmaninoff's life, like early influences that stayed with him his entire career, his comeback story after a disastrous symphony premiere, and what led to him emigrating to the United States. Plus, we hear some recordings of Rachmaninoff himself at the piano from the early 1900s.</p><p><a href="https://weta.org/donatefm" rel="payment">Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm</a></p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

<p>It's a popular instrument, but how much do you really know about the clarinet? Principal Clarinet of the National Symphony Orchestra, Lin Ma, joins John Banther to talk all about the clarinet. Lin tells us everything, from what it's made of, its predecessor, how it was used over time, and he even plays some of his favorite examples!</p><p><a href="https://weta.org/donatefm" rel="payment">Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm</a></p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

<p>This symphony is one of the most popular and triumphant in the repertoire, and for good reason! It takes us on a journey using a simple melody that appears in every movement, transforming from the opening in E minor to the triumphant E Major finale. John and Bill go through Tchaikovsky's personal correspondence during the months he was writing the symphony, show you what to listen for, and teach you a compositional technique used still today. </p><p><a href="https://weta.org/donatefm" rel="payment">Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm</a></p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

<p>How much do you really know about one of America's most treasured artists? There is a lot to explore in his early life in Massachusetts, his meteoric rise to fame in New York, and the unique characteristics we find all over his music.</p><p><a href="https://weta.org/donatefm" rel="payment">Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm</a></p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

<p>It's been a nice summer break, but we are excited to be back with your favorite classical music podcast! We kick things off on September 7 as Matthew Dayton joins John Banther to explore the life and music of Leonard Bernstein. The following episode, September 21, is all about one of the most popular symphonies, the No. 5 by Tchaikovsky. Bill Bukowski and John Banther explore the symphonies insecure origins and what to listen for in the music.</p><p><a href="https://weta.org/donatefm" rel="payment">Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm</a></p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

<p>We wrap up Season 2 of Classical Breakdown with some recommended recordings for you to explore this summer. These recently released albums feature a diverse range of composers, styles, ensembles, and even world premiere recordings. </p><p><a href="https://weta.org/donatefm" rel="payment">Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm</a></p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

<p>The viola is somewhat of an enigma and from a distance can be hard to tell apart from the violin. Daniel Foster explains how composers used the viola over the centuries, what his role as Principal Viola entails, and plays for us some extraordinary parts written for the viola. </p><p><a href="https://weta.org/donatefm" rel="payment">Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm</a></p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

<p><a href="https://weta.org/donatefm" rel="payment">Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm</a></p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

<p>He's considered one of the greatest composers of the 19th century. But can you hum a tune by Brahms? We dive into the life and music of Brahms to better understand what set him apart from others, how his personality affected his music, and how he still appears in popular music and commercials today. </p><p><a href="https://weta.org/donatefm" rel="payment">Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm</a></p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

<p>Where did the concerto come from and how did it evolve? We explore its origins, development through Haydn and Mozart, some of the most challenging concertos of the 19th century, and a couple of "hidden gems."</p><p><a href="https://weta.org/donatefm" rel="payment">Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm</a></p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

<p>This masterpiece, originally for piano, was inspired by the tragic loss of a friend, and Ravel's orchestration is a work of art in itself. While roughly half of the original pictures have been lost, we do have descriptions of the originals that give insight to Mussorgsky's music and Ravel's orchestration.</p><p><a href="https://weta.org/donatefm" rel="payment">Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm</a></p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

<p>How does a bassoon make a sound and what is its purpose? Principal Bassoonist of the National Symphony Orchestra Sue Heineman doesn't just tell us; she also plays her favorite moments and discusses how it all fits together in the orchestra.  </p><p><a href="https://weta.org/donatefm" rel="payment">Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm</a></p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

<p>There is so much to discover about this masterpiece, like its collaborative and ballet origins, Copland's inventive use of an unknown folk tune, and even how it got its name. </p><p><a href="https://weta.org/donatefm" rel="payment">Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm</a></p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

<p>Today we know him as one of the greatest and most influential composers, but that wasn’t always the case. Learn how a teenager became responsible for Bach’s revival, how is music changed from job to job, and even how he wound up in jail for nearly a month!</p><p><a href="https://weta.org/donatefm" rel="payment">Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm</a></p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

Dr. Karen Walwyn discusses the life and music of Florence Price, the first woman African American composer to have a symphony played by a major orchestra in the United States.<p><a href="https://weta.org/donatefm" rel="payment">Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm</a></p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

<p>There is a lot you may not know about the origins, inspirations and influencers when it comes to this masterpiece by Dvorak. We get into the details and music with examples from the latest recording from the National Symphony Orchestra and Maestro Noseda.</p><p><a href="https://weta.org/donatefm" rel="payment">Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm</a></p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

You might not know this concerto by its number, but you're surely familiar with one of its aria-like melodies that has appeared in film and popular music.<p><a href="https://weta.org/donatefm" rel="payment">Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm</a></p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

It's one of the most competitive positions in all of classical music. Learn more about the role of a concertmaster from Nurit Bar-Josef, Concertmaster of the National Symphony Orchestra. <br> <br>She plays her favorite concertmaster solos<p><a href="https://weta.org/donatefm" rel="payment">Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm</a></p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

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.<p><a href="https://weta.org/donatefm" rel="payment">Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm</a></p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

This holiday classic has helped define the "Christmas" sound for generations, but there's more to the music than you think.<p><a href="https://weta.org/donatefm" rel="payment">Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm</a></p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

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.<p><a href="https://weta.org/donatefm" rel="payment">Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm</a></p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

Is it the ultimate test for a composer? Discover its origins and how this genre evolved over centuries with James Jacobs and John Banther.<p><a href="https://weta.org/donatefm" rel="payment">Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm</a></p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

There's a lot about this masterpiece you may not know. Nicole LaCroix joins John Banther to explore its premiere and unique musical moments.<p><a href="https://weta.org/donatefm" rel="payment">Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm</a></p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

From his humble beginnings to becoming one of the greatest composers, explore the life and music of Tchaikovsky.<p><a href="https://weta.org/donatefm" rel="payment">Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm</a></p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

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."<p><a href="https://weta.org/donatefm" rel="payment">Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm</a></p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

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.<p><a href="https://weta.org/donatefm" rel="payment">Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm</a></p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

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.<p><a href="https://weta.org/donatefm" rel="payment">Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm</a></p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

Expand your musical palate with music found in an attic in 2009, new interpretations of Beethoven and Franck, and an instrument you've probably never heard before.<p><a href="https://weta.org/donatefm" rel="payment">Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm</a></p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

Brownlee talks about equality in classical music, his experience as a black man in the world of opera, and what we can do to encourage positive change towards a more diverse future in classical music.<p><a href="https://weta.org/donatefm" rel="payment">Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm</a></p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

Haydn's 1st cello concerto was lost for 200 years and is now considered one of the greatest cello concertos of the 18th century. Dr. Greenwald tells us how music can go missing, we examine musical examples that set this concerto apart, and we enjoy a full performance!<p><a href="https://weta.org/donatefm" rel="payment">Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm</a></p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

When was the flute invented, how did it evolve, what does a bass flute sound like? Learn all this and more with Principal Flute of the National Symphony Orchestra, Aaron Goldman.<p><a href="https://weta.org/donatefm" rel="payment">Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm</a></p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

Debussy's La Mer is as imaginative and playful as it was in 1905, and while the original audience wasn't as receptive, it's become an orchestra staple over the last century. The final movement is called "Dialogue du vent et de la mer" (Dialogue of the Wind and the Sea) and features a theme originating in the oboe. We'll hear from Nicholas Stovall, Principal Oboe of the National Symphony Orchestra, on what this passage means to him and why he had to play it during Principal Flute auditions.<p><a href="https://weta.org/donatefm" rel="payment">Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm</a></p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

The trumpet shines through in Jeux de Vagues, (Play of the Waves), the second movement of Debussy's La mer. This is part 2 of our 3 part series on Debussy's enchanting orchestral work, La Mer.<p><a href="https://weta.org/donatefm" rel="payment">Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm</a></p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

An orchestral staple today, this work about "the sea" wasn't well received at it's premiere. Audiences may have expected a Strauss-esque symphonic poem to bring the sea to life, but Debussy was more interested in the abstract. This is part 1 of our 3 part series on Debussy's enchanting orchestral work, La Mer.<p><a href="https://weta.org/donatefm" rel="payment">Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm</a></p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

The Arts community is severely affected by the current situation involving COVID-19. Artist Relief Tree was created by Morgan Brophy to give direct support to artists and musicians.<p><a href="https://weta.org/donatefm" rel="payment">Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm</a></p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

She was America's first woman composer to have a symphony performed by a major orchestra and the first American composer fully educated in the United States. She was praised and recognized but her journey to success was an uphill battle with obstacles and challenges.<p><a href="https://weta.org/donatefm" rel="payment">Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm</a></p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

Let's go on a musical deep dive of Haydn's final symphony. With musical examples we can breakdown Sonata Form, hear influences of other composers, and folk song!<p><a href="https://weta.org/donatefm" rel="payment">Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm</a></p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>

Beethoven changed all ideas and expectations about the Symphony. Bill Bukowski joins me as we figure out what happened to the symphony after Beethoven through the 21st century.<p><a href="https://weta.org/donatefm" rel="payment">Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm</a></p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>