

Classical Breakdown
WETA Classical
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 22, 2019 • 37min
The Abeo Quartet performs Moonshot
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!Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oct 8, 2019 • 32min
Kian Soltani, cellist, talks tempo, karate, and his debut album "Home"
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.Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 24, 2019 • 34min
What is a Symphony? Part 1
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.Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 10, 2019 • 35min
How does a composer actually write music?
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.Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 10, 2019 • 35min
Wu Han, pianist and cultural entrepreneur
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.Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sep 10, 2019 • 55min
The Four Seasons, how Vivaldi depicts the world in sound
Explore the various elements and emotions in Antonio Vivaldi's The Four Seasons, including vivid portrayals of spring, the serious and destructive depiction of summer, and the representation of winter and its connection to the human experience. Discover how Vivaldi uses birdsong, thunderous sounds, and creepy endings in his compositions, as well as the versatility of the violin and the interpretive nature of musicians.