The latest episode of our Classics Revisited series looks back at the 1987 film Withnail and I, a black comedy starring Richard E. Grant and Paul McGann that's become something of a cult classic in the years since its release. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Telly Visions

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! Support Classical B…

Ani once again teams up with Lacy's boss Nick for an episode that is all sport all the time, as contributor Sophie Brookover joins the pod for a deep dive into 'Welcome to Wrexham,' the FX docu/reality series about Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds' slow quest to resurrect Welsh football team Wrexham AFC back to its former glory. See omnystudio.com/…

Lacy returns from London and takes a turn in the guest seat with a report on everything she saw on stage over her week away, from Michael Sheen in the National Theatre's Nye to Sir Ian McKellen’s almost four-hour Falstaff in The Player Kings. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Telly Visions

She might have been the most influential person in music of the 20th century, and few would argue with you. John Banther and Evan Keely explore her life, music, and incalculable influence, but also some of the criticism her legacy has faced in the 45 years since her passing. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/…

Contributor Megan Vick joins Ani Bundel and special guest Lacy's boss Nick Scalera, to break down the drama of Season 13 of 'Call the Midwife' and Trixie's collapsing marriage to Matthew. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Telly Visions

Contributor Sophie Brookover joins the ladies to discuss Apple TV+'s Manhunt, a very American period drama about the aftermath of the Lincoln assassination that's bursting with British actors. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Telly Visions

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, a…

Contributor Janet Mullany joins the ladies to discuss the racy new Starz period drama "Mary and George", which recounts the story of Mary Villiers, Countess of Buckingham, and her family's rise to prominence during the reign of King James I. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Telly Visions

Contributor Megan Vick joins the ladies to discuss the smash U.K. drama Mr. Bates vs the Post Office and the real-life case that inspired the show. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Telly Visions

Contributor Emma O'Neill-Dietel joins the ladies to discuss the second season of BritBox's prestige prison drama anthology series Time, which is even thornier and more complicated than its excellent first outing. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Telly Visions

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?? Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudi…

Contributor Marni Cerise joins the ladies to discuss Alice & Jack, an awkward contemporary romance between two tragically toxic people that's a surprisingly poor fit for Masterpiece. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Telly Visions

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. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for …

Contributor Sophie Brookover joins the ladies to discuss the new Masterpiece series Nolly and the real-life story of actress Noele Gordon. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Telly Visions

Contributor Marni Cerise joins the ladies to dig into BritBox's latest Agatha Christie adaptation, a thoroughly modern if somewhat brisk adaptation of Murder Is Easy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Telly Visions

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! Support Classical Breakdown: http…

The ladies look ahead to everything British coming our way this spring from the returns of Call the Midwife and Extraordinary to the premieres of Mr. Bates vs. the Post Office, Mary & George, Scoop, and more. (Plus, Lacy has some Big Feelings about that devastating Miss Scarlet & The Duke news.) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

We're back! Contributor Janet Mullany joins the ladies for a discussion of the most recent seasons of Miss Scarlet & The Duke and All Creatures Great & Small. What worked? What didn't? And what just made everybody mad? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Telly Visions

We'll enjoy his Symphony No. 9 "From the New World" at the end, but first we look at his influential and controversial time in the United States, itself a journey that began decades prior. Join us to learn how he was discovered, his musical styles, and some pretty funny stories! Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.…

We're sad to inform you that you won't be getting a new episode from us this week --- but it's for a good reason! The ladies are in Los Angeles for the Television Critics Association's winter press tour and will be back next week with all the scoop! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

We celebrate the music of living Black composers with 6 recommended works spanning violin and piano to the full orchestra! Go to the show notes page at classicalbreakdown.org for more information on these composers, links to recordings, and links to resources. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for pr…

Contributor Sophie Brookover joins the ladies to discuss one of the most controversial films of this awards season: Emerald Fennell's Saltburn, a disturbing and decadent social satire draped in serious Brideshead Revisited vibes. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Telly Visions

For our latest Classics Revisited installment, the ladies dive into the relatively recent 2015 feature film adaptation of Thomas Hardy's Far From the Madding Crowd in honor of the classic novel's 150th anniversary See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Telly Visions

Contributor Sophie Brookover joins the ladies to discuss the new PBS dramedy Funny Woman, a story of a female comedian who wants to be taken seriously in the male-dominated world of entertainment. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Telly Visions

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! Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/l…

Contributor Janet Mullany joins the ladies to dig into the cozy comfort of All Creatures Great and Small Season 4, as James and Helen contemplate parenthood and Siegfried misses Tristan. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Telly Visions

We have a full symphony by Mahler to listen to after we enjoy highlights from the past 99 episodes! Let's take time to experience again the musicians who demonstrated their instruments, fascinating insights from guests, and our favorite moments from over the years. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener f…

The ladies discuss the Miss Scarlet & The Duke Season 4 premiere and debate how long the show can keep going back to the same narrative well before something has to change. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Telly Visions

Contributors Emma O'Neill-Dietel and Janet Mullany join the ladies to kick off the new year with one last look at the one we just left behind. Here are our favorite things we saw in 2023, and what we're looking forward to in 2024. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Telly Visions

Contributor Sophie Brookover joins the ladies to discuss the final season of The Crown and whether it does justice to the story of Queen Elizabeth II. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Telly Visions

Few countries have elevated a composer like Finland and Jean Sibelius. John Banther and Evan Keely look into his breakout success, symphonies, dramatic life events, and how he incorporates Finnish culture into music. Plus, what do Sibelius, Gilmore Girls, and Lord of The Rings have in common? Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm S…

Actor Jason Isaacs joins the ladies to discuss BritBox's four-part series Archie, a biographical drama that explores the man behind the myth of all-American heartthrob Cary Grant. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Telly Visions

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. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/liste…

Contributor Emma O'Neill-Dietel joins the ladies to discuss Doctor Who's trio of 60th anniversary specials, from David Tennant's return to Ncuti Gatwa's debut. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Telly Visions

The ladies dive into the latest season of The Great British Baking Show, from their favorite contestants to the unsubtle specter of Paul Hollywood's influence. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Telly Visions

The ladies dig into the some of the best programs we didn't get the chance to talk about in-depth this year, from Hotel Portofino and The Diplomat to The Law According to Lidia Poet and Planet Earth III. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Telly Visions

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. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inform…

Contributor Janet Mullany joins the ladies for a discussion of the second season of World War II drama World on Fire --- the stories that worked, the ones that didn't, and everything in between. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Telly Visions

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! Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm…

The ladies have divided opinions about Apple TV+'s The Buccaneers, a colorful, loud, and imperfect new adaptation of Edith Wharton's unfinished final novel. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Telly Visions

Our Classics Revisited series looks back at the 2006 film The Queen, which won Helen Mirren an Oscar for playing Queen Elizabeth II and kickstarted a narrative cycle that Peter Morgan will conclude with the final season of The Crown. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Telly Visions

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! Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informa…

The ladies discuss the second season of Julian Fellowes' lavish American period drama The Gilded Age, a story of pettiness , excess, and amazing hats in late nineteenth-century New York. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Telly Visions

The ladies dig into the second season of crime drama Annika, which features more Nicola Walker, more literary references, and more murders around the waterways of Glasgow. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Telly Visions

How easily can a genre of music be defined? John Banther and Linda Carducci explore the origins of the Nocturne and how it evolved from its simple defining characteristics over the next 200 years. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Contributor Janet Mullany joins the ladies to discuss the return of World War II period drama World on Fire, and all the changes that have take place between seasons. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Telly Visions

The ladies dig into the full fifth season of crime drama Unforgotten, from the new dynamic between partners DCI Jess James and DS Sunny Khan to its uncomfortable, overly complicated central mystery. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Telly Visions

Respighi is our tour guide as we explore 4 different scenes in Rome inspired by their iconic Stone pine trees. John Banther and Evan Keely explore his cutting-edge use of technology, how he uses ancient musical references, how he achieves some of these unique timbres, and more! Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.c…

The ladies (finally!) dig into the charming Max romantic comedy Starstruck, whose third season ---and somewhat controversial ending --- are a big swerve from its earlier episodes. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Telly Visions