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DateTitreDurée
30 May 2023The Illustrious Life and Music of Haydn: From hardship to stardom01:21:38

Enjoy a performance of one of Haydn's iconic concertos at the end of the episode! We talk about Haydn's hardship to stardom life, and why he ended up writing all kinds of music, from symphonies, and concertos, to music for clocks. 

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29 Nov 2022George Frideric Handel: life of fame, musical style, and 3 things you didn't know before!00:41:18

He's one of history's most famous composers, but how much do you really know about Handel? Join us to learn about his life, music, and desire for fame; plus 3 things about him you didn't know before!

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08 Sep 2020The life of Beethoven01:08:18
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.

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22 Sep 2020Rimsky-Korsakov's enchanting Scheherazade00:45:20
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.

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06 Oct 2020What is an Overture?00:40:46
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."

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04 Apr 2023Fantasia: Music from the realm of imagination!00:34:30

Go on a journey through time with us as we explore a genre of music called the Fantasia! John Banther and Evan Keely discuss how the genre started, evolved, and captured our hearts and imaginations for centuries.

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20 Oct 2020The life of Tchaikovsky00:44:59
From his humble beginnings to becoming one of the greatest composers, explore the life and music of Tchaikovsky.

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03 Nov 2020Beethoven's triumphant Symphony No. 500:46:10
There's a lot about this masterpiece you may not know. Nicole LaCroix joins John Banther to explore its premiere and unique musical moments.

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17 Nov 2020What is a string quartet?01:02:29
Is it the ultimate test for a composer? Discover its origins and how this genre evolved over centuries with James Jacobs and John Banther.

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01 Dec 2020Beethoven's Symphony No. 900:52:59
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.

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15 Dec 2020The Nutcracker, how it became a holiday classic, and what to listen for00:44:37
This holiday classic has helped define the "Christmas" sound for generations, but there's more to the music than you think.

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29 Dec 2020The life of Strauss Jr. aka "The Waltz King"00:30:17
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.

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12 Jan 2021What does a Concertmaster really do? Concertmaster Nurit Bar-Josef of the NSO explains.00:30:29
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.

She plays her favorite concertmaster solos

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26 Jan 2021It's fun and it's virtuosic! Exploring Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 2100:30:34
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.

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09 Feb 2021Dvorak's Symphony No. 9 "From the New World." The origins and inspirations you didn't know.00:39:39

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.

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25 Jan 2022Dvorak's Cello Concerto, 5 things to listen for!00:29:59

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. 

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23 Feb 2021The life of Florence Price00:50:18
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.

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24 Dec 2024Your Guide to JS Bach's Cello Suites!01:32:43

WETA resident cello player James Jacobs joins John Banther for a deep dive into the 6 iconic cello suites by JS Bach. With cello in hand, James demonstrates different aspects of the suites and shows us what to listen for, plus we enjoy a full recording performance of one of the suites at the end!

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17 Sep 2024The Great Unfinished Works00:39:56

From government intrigue, untimely death, or even distraction, there are many reasons why a composer might leave a work unfinished. John Banther and Linda Carducci dive into 5 unfinished works, how they are performed today, look at the surrounding circumstances, and discuss what we could have done to get these works completed in the first place!

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04 Mar 2025Ethel Smyth's Mass in D: A 19th century mass by an extraordinary woman!00:57:26

Conductor Steven Fox joins John Banther to talk about this Mass that was overlooked after its premiere in 1893. Fox tells us everything we need to know about a mass, what to listen for, and how Ethel Smyth's mass stands apart. We also touch on her life as she was an aggressive suffragette, women's rights advocate, and openly bisexual composer in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

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01 Oct 2024The lives and music of Silvestre Revueltas and Gabriela Lena Frank00:37:17

We explore two influential composers in this episode that you need to know; Silvestre Revueltas and Gabriela Lena Frank. John Banther and Evan Keely highlight works from both composers, aspects of their lives, and what to listen for in their music! 

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19 Mar 2024Joan Tower's Concerto for Orchestra, an adventure in color, illusion, and rhythm!00:29:22

There aren't that many examples of a "concerto" for orchestra, and in Joan Tower's, it's an electrifying world of rhythm, motion, and even deception! John Banther and Evan Keely explore this concerto by one of the most successful and recorded American composers. 

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29 Oct 2024Beethoven’s iconic Violin Concerto: what to listen for and why it was an initial flop!00:42:41

Why was the premiere a failure, and how did it get back into the repertoire? John Banther and Evan Keely uncover unique characteristics in this concerto, what to listen for, and its beguiling opening!

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20 Apr 2021Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition. A masterpiece and tribute to a friend.00:42:02

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.

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12 Dec 2023Augusta Holmès' Andromède; an epic Greek myth inspired symphonic poem!00:28:14

You may not recognize the composer or piece, but this is a work that deserves your attention! John Banther and Evan Keely explore the poem and how it comes to life in the music, which operatic composer she's invoking, and why sea monsters have such short musical motifs.

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23 Mar 2021Appalachian Spring, an American classic by Aaron Copland00:36:26

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. 

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11 Jun 2024What is a cello? Star cellist Amit Peled tells all!01:01:19

Who doesn't love the cello? But, where and when was it invented, and how did it evolve over the centuries? Amit Peled, cello soloist and professor at Peabody, tells us everything and performs music by Bach and Bloch!

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21 Mar 2023The life and music of Cecile Chaminade: Genius has no gender00:43:28

She persisted and created her own success in defiance of the sexism faced at home and abroad. We explore her life, works you need to hear, and even hear a 122-year-old recording of Chaminade herself!

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15 Jun 2021What is a Viola? Daniel Foster, Principal Viola of the NSO tells us everything!00:42:48

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. 

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05 Sep 2023Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2: a musical comeback story!00:38:48

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. 

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27 Dec 2022Brahms' Haydn Variations: Don't judge a theme by its composer!00:36:00
02 Apr 2024The Evolution of the Piano: A Thousand Year Journey!00:51:26

It's one of the most common musical instruments, but where did it come from and how did we get here? John Banther and Linda Carducci go on a journey through time to trace the evolution of the piano and its various forms. Plus, why is it so fun to see pianos fall from high places??

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05 Oct 2021What is a Clarinet?00:34:10

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!

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10 Apr 2025An update on Florence Price!00:01:55

I have a special update for you on Florence Price because of the hard work of a particular listener and a previous guest. 

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02 May 2023In conversation with Maestro Gianandrea Noseda: His journey, perspectives on music, conducting, and more!01:01:41

This charismatic Italian has become one of the most sought-after conductors for both orchestras and opera houses. John Banther and Gianandrea Noseda discuss early musical experiences, preparing familiar works, the importance of recordings, ways to relax, and much more!

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24 Jan 2023Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 6 "Pathetique": A symphony of unanswerable questions00:45:53

No matter how many times you've heard this work, there is much to discover! John Banther and Evan Keely examine letters from his final year, musical examples, and fascinating compositional techniques in search of answers to this enigmatic symphony. 

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26 Nov 2024Dora Pejačević's Symphony in F# minor; Croatia's very first symphony!00:45:05

We get a rare opportunity to look at a country's first symphony, and it wasn't written until 1917! John and Evan explore Pejačević's symphony and show you what to listen for, what sets her symphony apart from others of the time, and how WWI directly affected her and this very work. 

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19 Sep 2023The short yet musically prolific life of Franz Schubert00:45:12

He was a composer who seemed to fit some of the "tragic artist" stereotypes of the Romantic period, he was prolific, had unrequited love, and died tragically young. John Banther and James Jacobs explore Schubert's life, his unrivaled gift for melody, efficiency with composing, his arrest, and more!

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22 Feb 2022Florence Price Symphony No. 1: An American Symphony00:31:09

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. 

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16 Apr 2024Haydn's masterpiece for 4 soloists and orchestra, the Sinfonia Concertante00:28:44

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

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05 Mar 2024The secret life of a classical recording engineer: Meet WETA's Charles Lawson01:03:29

Have you ever wondered how to record an orchestra but were too afraid to ask? Critically acclaimed recording engineer Charles Lawson spends his days recording the National Symphony Orchestra at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. He tells us how it all comes together, philosophy, and near disasters!

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14 Nov 2023Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet Overture: 3 themes and Shakespearean connections!00:32:36

It's one of the more familiar works in the repertoire, but how well do you know the 3 major themes and Shakespearean connections? John Banther and Shakespeare enthusiast James Jacobs show you what to listen for, how much Tchaikovsky loved Shakespeare, theatrical elements in the music, and more!

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03 May 2022Ravel's Bolero with Joshua Weilerstein: A conductor's insight00:38:06

It seems simple on the surface, but there is a lot to discover in Ravel's most famous work (much to his dismay!). Joshua Weilerstein, one of today's in-demand conductors, joins John Banther to offer his perspective on the music and all the details that need to be addressed to pull it off in performance.

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10 Dec 2024Aaron Copland: The Sound of America00:47:18

One of the most iconic American composers was at one point even considered by some to be "un-American." John Banther and Evan Keely explore Copland's life, works you probably don't know, what influenced him, how he created an "American" sound, and why he was questioned at length in a senate subcommittee hearing in 1953. 

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16 May 2023Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5 "Emperor": Breaking expectations!00:42:05

We unravel the secrets and beauty of Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5 "Emperor," hailed as a masterpiece in the piano concerto repertoire. We explore the complexities of the music, the unusual circumstances behind its creation, and what to listen for!

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18 Oct 2022Mozart y Mambo! Horn superstar Sarah Willis shows off her newest album00:49:57
28 May 2024Elgar's Enigma Variations, a portrait of friends, life, and love!01:19:07

We enjoy a full performance of the Enigma Variations at the end of the episode, but first, we get into the people and places depicted in colorful detail in Elgar's masterpiece. John Banther and Evan Keely uncover hidden clues in the music, the types of people Elgar depicts, and what the Enigma could possibly be (but isn't).

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04 Oct 2022By Listener Request: 3 deep dives into works by Pachelbel, Liszt, and Vaughan Williams00:39:45

Coming to you from our email inbox, here's an episode of music requested by you the listener! These three works are iconic, but leave your preconceived notions at the door and prepare to hear them in a new way. Plus, we also do a little Q&A at the end of the show. 

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18 Apr 2023Mahler's Symphony No. 1: A rewarding symphonic journey!00:50:43

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!

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22 Mar 2022Louise Farrenc's Symphony No. 3: A hidden gem!00:32:45

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. 

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14 Dec 2021Bach's Christmas Oratorio, what to listen for and know!00:34:22

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. 

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08 Mar 2022Clara Schumann: A story of stardom, passion, and courage00:38:49

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!

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29 Jun 2021New classical albums to listen to this summer!00:19:30

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. 

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31 Oct 2023The inspiring life and music of Germaine Tailleferre: plus 5 recommended works!00:40:25

She was a pioneering French composer who helped shape the sound of France's music post World War I, but she also faced extraordinary challenges. John Banther and Evan Keely explore her music, life events, give you 5 recommended works to listen to!

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08 Feb 2022George Walker: He wants you to play his music00:47:29

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.

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28 Dec 2021The life and music of Robert Schumann00:40:37

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. 

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07 Mar 2023Women in Music: 6 works by 6 composers you should know00:29:54

We explore in detail 6 works by 6 different living composers for a variety of instruments like solo cello, a string quartet, a piano concerto, and more! Visit the show notes page for more information on these composers and resources to find more.

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27 Jun 2023Summer Listening Guide: 4 albums to expand your musical horizons!00:25:09

Discover new favorites as John Banther showcases 4 recent releases that deserve your attention this summer! Go to the show notes page at ClassicalBreakdown.org to find out where you can listen to or purchase these albums. 

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18 Mar 2025The Future is Female: Exploring Clarice Assad and the Boulanger Initiative with Laura Colgate00:55:00

Discover contemporary works by living Brazillian composer Clarice Assad that cover chamber music, solo piano, and orchestra. Then Co-Founder Laura Colgate tells us everything we need to know about and how you can benefit from the Boulanger Initiative, which advocates for women and gender-marginalized composers.

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12 Nov 2024The Life and Music of Gioachino Rossini: An overnight success, foodie, and opera sensation00:46:06

Few composers were an overnight sensation like Gioachino Rossini! We have 3 musical characteristics of his to show you as we explore his life, travels, his love of food, and why he might have quit at the height of his fame at age 37. Plus, stay with us to the end for the Rossini cocktail!

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13 Jun 2023Theme and Variations: 4 types and what to listen for!00:32:36

It might be one of the oldest ideas in all of music (of any kind!), but, how did it develop in our Western classical music tradition? John and Evan explore what makes a theme and variations, 4 specific types to listen for, and a modern example using a theme you wouldn't expect!

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31 Aug 2021Season 3 starts September 7!00:02:00

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.

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10 Sep 2019How does a composer actually write music?00:35:25

Mozart and Beethoven were genius composers, but they wrote music very differently. Renowned composer from Washington, Alistair Coleman, tells us what made Beethoven and Mozart different and describes his own music writing process.

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10 Sep 2019Wu Han, pianist and cultural entrepreneur00:34:58
She might be the busiest chamber musician in the United States. Wu Han is in charge of several music festivals worldwide, has an intense performing schedule, and manages a record label. In this episode, she tells us about her early musical inspirations in Taiwan, how tragedy led her to another career path, where chamber music is headed, and even how to fix wardrobe malfunctions with a stapler.

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10 Sep 2019The Four Seasons, how Vivaldi depicts the world in sound00:55:00
Poetry, falling on the ice, and a barking dog, there is so much to hear and discover in Antonio Vivaldi’s masterpiece, The Four Seasons. In this episode, we get into the details and musical examples with a recording that brings a fresh perspective to this work published nearly 300 years ago.

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24 Sep 2019What is a Symphony? Part 100:33:48
The Symphony has been one of classical music's biggest genres. But, have you ever wondered what makes a symphony, a symphony? The origins take us back to the 17th century with symphonies that lasted only a few minutes, and we explore its development up to Beethoven's blockbuster Symphony No. 9.

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08 Oct 2019Kian Soltani, cellist, talks tempo, karate, and his debut album "Home"00:32:08
Kian talks about bringing people together in music, changing tempos, karate, and more. He is one of today's most celebrated young cellists and has risen the ranks as one of today's great cello soloists. His collaboration with conductor Daniel Barenboim has taken him around the world, he's performed with some of the worlds greatest orchestras. and records for Deutsche Grammophon.

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22 Oct 2019The Abeo Quartet performs Moonshot00:37:23
The Abeo Quartet performs Moonshot, a new work by Alistair Coleman. Alistair talks about the inspiration for this piece, and after the performance, we talk with the quartet about putting this piece together, new playing techniques, and space travel!

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05 Nov 2019Reading between the notes - making a score come alive00:27:46
Liz demonstrates musical terms on the violin, we talk about bringing sheet music to life and a special guest joins for an experiment with foreign language.

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19 Nov 2019What is a Symphonic Poem?00:20:07
Discover one of the more colorful genres of classical music, the Symphonic Poem, which can depict animals, landscape, literature, and even football players!

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04 Feb 2025Carlos Simon's Songs of Separation: An American song cycle set to poetry of Rumi00:47:06

Explore the different emotional aspects of loss, grief, and separation in this orchestral song cycle by Kenedy Center composer-in-residence Carlos Simon. John Banther and Evan Keely explore the text by Rumi, how Simon pairs this directly in the music, and moments to listen for!

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03 Dec 2019Handel's Messiah, from swords, hidden meanings, to theft!01:13:54
Here's everything you wanted to know about Handel's Messiah but were afraid to ask.

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17 Dec 2019What does a conductor do?00:57:52
Waving a baton is just a small part of being a conductor. Michelle Merrill tells what it's like to prepare a concert with an orchestra, from the year before to the downbeat of the concert.

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31 Dec 2019Tchaikovsky's The Seasons00:27:51
Get into the new year with a work that has music for every month! Tchaikovsky's The Seasons also includes poetry and gives us a glimpse into Russian life, month by month in 1876.

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14 Jan 2020The Planets by Holst00:26:58
Discover music by Holst that was inspired by the gods our planets are named after in our solar system. This seven-movement orchestral suite includes the terrifying sounds of war, the comfort of peace, jollity, and so much more.

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28 Jan 2020The life of Mozart01:02:50
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's life was kind of complicated. His childhood as a musical prodigy was filled with practicing, writing music, and performing for royalty throughout Europe. He later struggled at times finding suitable employment and wanted to find his own path. It was a life lived under the watchful eye of his father, Leopold Mozart, and cut short at the age of 35.

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11 Feb 2020What is a Symphony? Part 200:50:41
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.

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25 Feb 2020Haydn's final London Symphony00:51:03
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!

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10 Mar 2020The Life and Music of Amy Beach, an American pioneer00:26:02
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.

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28 Jun 2022Summer Listening Guide: 4 albums to expand your musical horizons!00:20:03

Half the fun of music is finding something new, so why not use the summer to discover new classical favorites while you hit the road, the mountains, the beach, or wherever!

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19 May 2020NSO Principal Flute Aaron Goldman talks flute and shares his journey in music00:51:10
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.

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24 Mar 2020Artist Relief Tree, supporting artists affected by cancellations due to COVID-1900:12:40
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.

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21 Sep 2021Tchaikovsky's triumphant Symphony No. 500:40:33

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. 

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23 Jan 2024Korngold's Violin Concerto, from the Golden Age of Hollywood!00:37:40

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!

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18 May 2021The Life of Johannes Brahms00:37:41

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. 

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07 Apr 2020Debussy's La Mer - Part 100:20:24
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.

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21 Apr 2020Debussy's La Mer - Part 200:12:51
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.

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05 May 2020Debussy's La Mer - Part 300:17:52
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.

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14 May 2024Robert Schumann's Carnaval: A solo piano brings a masked ball to life!01:01:06

Real and fictional characters come to life in this incredibly challenging work for piano that also includes musical puzzles. John Banther and Linda Carducci explore all the characters and how Schumann depicts them in music, the ciphers, discarded movements, and more. plus we enjoy a full performance of it by Sergei Rachmaninoff!

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18 Feb 2025Olly Wilson, an American composer that will change how you hear music!00:41:15

This American composer was a pioneer in electronic music, commissioned works with major orchestras, and did groundbreaking work in musicology connecting music traditions from West Africa to the United States. John Banther and Evan Keely explore 3 of his works and look at his work in musicology that will change how you hear music!

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30 Nov 2021Bernstein's West Side Story00:36:44

Here is what to listen for, know, and appreciate when it comes to West Side Story before you watch the 2021 movie remake!

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02 Jun 2020Haydn's lost cello concerto and its rediscovery01:04:26
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!

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16 Jun 2020Lawrence Brownlee on equality in classical music00:24:00
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.

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09 Mar 2021The Life of Bach00:48:16

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!

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30 Jun 2020Recommended summer listening00:10:54
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.

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21 Feb 2023Ravel's Piano Concerto for Left Hand: A masterpiece of musical illusions and creativity!00:29:48

There are a lot of questions and considerations when it comes to writing a piano concerto for a single hand. John Banther and Evan Keely explore the origins of this masterpiece and all the ways in which Ravel makes it sound larger than its parts. 

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06 Apr 2021What is a Bassoon? Sue Heineman, Principal Bassoon of the NSO, tells us everything!00:40:58

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.  

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31 May 2022An Unsung Heroine: The Life and Music of Fanny Mendelssohn00:35:43

She was a composer whose music was wrongfully neglected and was sometimes attributed and published under her brother's name. Join Evan Keely and John Banther as they discuss the unique challenges she faced, her letters, late success in publishing, and more. 

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28 Nov 2023Opera 101, everything you wanted to know but were afraid to ask!01:00:47

Feeling dramatic? Opera has you covered! John Banther and Linda Carducci go on a journey through time on the origins, evolution, and dramatic moments of this enduring musical art form. Plus, recommended listening for each time period along the way. 

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01 Jun 2021Berlioz Symphonie Fantastique. A story of obsession, betrayal, and execution.00:47:02

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