Classical Breakdown

WETA Classical
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Feb 21, 2023 • 30min

Ravel's Piano Concerto for Left Hand: A masterpiece of musical illusions and creativity!

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. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Feb 7, 2023 • 31min

Joseph Bologne, the most interesting 18th century composer?

If there was a "most interesting man in the world" it would be Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges. He wasn't just a virtuoso violinist, composer, and conductor, he was also one of Europe's greatest fencers, and a military man who led a legion in the French Revolution.Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Jan 24, 2023 • 46min

Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 6 "Pathetique": A symphony of unanswerable questions

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. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Jan 10, 2023 • 41min

Antonio Vivaldi's life, music, and the women who shaped his career

Did a volcano erupt when he was born, what illness plagued his priesthood, and why did he write so many concertos? Join us to learn all about Vivaldi's life and appreciate the composer from a new angle. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Dec 27, 2022 • 36min

Brahms' Haydn Variations: Don't judge a theme by its composer!

Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Dec 13, 2022 • 30min

A holiday gem: Margaret Bonds' The Ballad of the Brown King

This work for choir and orchestra might become your new holiday favorite! Bonds' takes us on an evocative musical journey with more in the story than meets the eye. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Nov 29, 2022 • 41min

George Frideric Handel: life of fame, musical style, and 3 things you didn't know before!

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!Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Nov 15, 2022 • 45min

WG Still's Afro-American Symphony: Blues idioms, new instruments, and a uniquely American style

This symphony takes its inspiration from the blues in the 1920s, which were much different than the blues we typically hear today. Join us to learn how Still uniquely brought different styles of music together, new instruments in the orchestra, and his motivation.  Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Nov 1, 2022 • 48min

The Saxophone, everything you need to know about this unique genre-hopping instrument!

Doctors at one time prescribed playing the saxophone for certain ailments?! Learn all about the saxophone's invention, development, and all the genres it's hopped to along the way.Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Oct 18, 2022 • 50min

Mozart y Mambo! Horn superstar Sarah Willis shows off her newest album

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

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