Classical Breakdown

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."Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.  Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James Jacobs, a contributor to Classical WETA, dives into the life of Johann Sebastian Bach, once overlooked, now heralded as a musical giant. He explores how a teenage admirer helped revive Bach's influence and shares captivating tales, including Bach's quirky stint in jail. Jacobs discusses Bach's evolution, the emotional depth of his compositions, and how his music transformed through various roles. He even humorously speculates on how aliens might perceive Bach's genius through the Voyager record. A delightful mix of history and music awaits!

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.Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 solosSupport Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.