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Classical Breakdown

WETA Classical

Music Music Commentary

Latest episode

168 episodes

Tosca! Puccini's tragic opera on love, lust, and brutality
09/06/2026 | 1h 14 mins.
Why watch a thriller on a Friday night when you can watch the dramatic and compact "blood and guts" opera by Puccini that is... Tosca! John Banther and Linda Carducci give you the historical and cultural context to the plot, show you specific themes hidden throughout, and highlight 4 show-stopping moments.
The Montgomery Variations: A Piece of American History by Margaret Bonds
26/05/2026 | 1h 1 mins.
Music can be just as much of a historical document as letters or legislation, and we see that directly in this episode with music by Bonds written in 1963. John Banther and Evan Keely show you what to listen for, how Bonds adapts a well-known melody, the historical context, and more.
Haydn's Trumpet Concerto: Revolutionary in ways you didn't know!
12/05/2026 | 50 mins.
There is so much more to this humble concerto than you realize, because the context of hearing a trumpet do something unheard of before has been lost. We show you what made this concerto possible, how Haydn was revolutionary, and why each recording is a little bit different.
Leos Janacek: an original composer who found success late
28/04/2026 | 53 mins.
Another listener request! John Banther and Bill Bukowski explore the life of Leos Janacek and look at 2 specific subjects to understand this composer's original sound, speech melodies and modality.
Bonus! John and James discuss Eine Kleine Nachtmusik and gigs
21/04/2026 | 27 mins.
John Banther and James Jacobs discuss Mozart's Eine Kleine Nachtmusik and performing it at gigs, which for James reaches into the hundreds at weddings! Plus, we enjoy a full performance with the Berlin Philharmonic.

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About Classical Breakdown

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.

Podcast website

Music Music Commentary