Classical WETA Podcasts

Enjoy a performance of one of Haydn's iconic concertos at the end of the episode! We talk about Haydn's hardship to stardom life, and why he ended up writing all kinds of music, from symphonies, and concertos, to music for clocks. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

We unravel the secrets and beauty of Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5 "Emperor," hailed as a masterpiece in the piano concerto repertoire. We explore the complexities of the music, the unusual circumstances behind its creation, and what to listen for! Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inf…

This charismatic Italian has become one of the most sought-after conductors for both orchestras and opera houses. John Banther and Gianandrea Noseda discuss early musical experiences, preparing familiar works, the importance of recordings, ways to relax, and much more! Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listen…

One of the more original first symphonies from a composer, Gustav Mahler's entry into the symphonic world was initially misunderstood. John Banther and Evan Keely break down what made this symphony different, what to listen for, and why the journey is worth the test of patience! Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.…

Go on a journey through time with us as we explore a genre of music called the Fantasia! John Banther and Evan Keely discuss how the genre started, evolved, and captured our hearts and imaginations for centuries. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

She persisted and created her own success in defiance of the sexism faced at home and abroad. We explore her life, works you need to hear, and even hear a 122-year-old recording of Chaminade herself! Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

We explore in detail 6 works by 6 different living composers for a variety of instruments like solo cello, a string quartet, a piano concerto, and more! Visit the show notes page for more information on these composers and resources to find more. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informat…

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/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informat…

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/donatefm See omnystudio.com…

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/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inform…

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/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By WETA Classical

Though married to the fourth president, Dolley Madison was the first First Lady to embody the position as we know it today. She pretty much invented it, actually. She played an active role in her husband's administration, had a keen political sense, saved American treasures, and was the one of, if not the, most important women in the United States …

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/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By WETA Classical

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/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

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/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener fo…

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/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By WETA Classical

Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By WETA Classical

Coming to you from our email inbox, here's an episode of music requested by you the listener! These three works are iconic, but leave your preconceived notions at the door and prepare to hear them in a new way. Plus, we also do a little Q&A at the end of the show. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener fo…

Was he an impressionist, symbolist, or something else? John Banther and Evan Keely dive into the life and music of Debussy while giving you 4 points to hear his music in a whole new way. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By WETA Classical

Season 4 kicks off with one of the most beloved works in the orchestral repertoire. John Banther and Bill Bukowski talk about the theme's origins, melodies hidden in plain sight, moments to listen for, and what Rachmaninoff did to calm his nerves the night of the premiere! Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/li…

Learn about the women of classical music—from ancient and medieval times through the present—in this interview with WETA Classical's weekday morning host, Linda Carducci.By Remember the Ladies

Too long; didn't listen version of Remember the Ladies Episode 11 - Mercy Otis Warren. Here are five things you should know about this early historian, poet, playwright, and political commentator.By Remember the Ladies

Living in a time when politics, history, and writing were considered men’s fields and work, Mercy Otis Warren crossed gender boundaries to insert herself into the fray of each. Her name has been somewhat forgotten over time. But Thomas Jefferson said she had a “high station in the ranks of genius.” John Adams called her “the most accomplished lady …

Too long; didn't listen version of Remember the Ladies Episode 10 - Pauli Murray. Here are five things you should know about this groundbreaking activist, lawyer, legal scholar, and more.By Remember the Ladies

Half the fun of music is finding something new, so why not use the summer to discover new classical favorites while you hit the road, the mountains, the beach, or wherever! Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By WETA Classical

Activist, lawyer, legal scholar, writer, poet, and much more, Pauli Murray, was the mind behind legal theories that led to major changes in protections for women and people of color, a friend to a First Lady and an inspiration to two pioneering Supreme Court justices, and the person who came up with the term “Jane Crow” to liken the severity of gen…

Enjoy a full recording of this concerto after Linda and John discuss its origin, Norwegian influences, and what to listen for. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By WETA Classical

She was a composer whose music was wrongfully neglected and was sometimes attributed and published under her brother's name. Join Evan Keely and John Banther as they discuss the unique challenges she faced, her letters, late success in publishing, and more. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for priva…

Learn about Grace Slick, Janis Joplin, Joan Baez, Melanie, and more of the women of Woodstock in this interview with Julia Fell, Curator of Exhibits at the Museum at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, which is located on the site of the 1969 Woodstock Music and Art Fair.By Remember the Ladies

Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By WETA Classical

Too long; didn't listen version of Remember the Ladies Episode 8 - Patsy Mink. Here are five things you should know about this trailblazing Congresswoman.By Remember the Ladies

Patsy Mink was a trailblazer in every sense of the word. The first woman of color in Congress, she dedicated her political career to fighting for the rights of women and people of color, access to affordable health and child care, better education, and economic equality.By Remember the Ladies

It seems simple on the surface, but there is a lot to discover in Ravel's most famous work (much to his dismay!). Joshua Weilerstein, one of today's in-demand conductors, joins John Banther to offer his perspective on the music and all the details that need to be addressed to pull it off in performance. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org…

Too long; didn't listen version of Remember the Ladies Episode 7 - Elizabeth Van Lew. Here are five things you should know about this Civil War spymaster.By Remember the Ladies

Elizabeth Van Lew was a Civil War spymaster working for the Union from within the heart of the Confederacy and a postmaster appointed by President Ulysses S. Grant more than half a century before women could even vote for elected leaders.By Remember the Ladies

He was a different kind of composer than Mozart and Beethoven, and he transformed how we hear the piano. John Banther and Bill Bukowski talk about Chopin's early life, relationships, new styles of music he wrote, what set him apart, and more! Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Too long; didn't listen version of Remember the Ladies Episode 6 - Fannie Lou Hamer. Here are five things you should know about civil, voting, and women's rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer.By Remember the Ladies

The Bass is one of the largest and lowest instruments in the orchestra. Learn how it evolved and was used over the centuries, how it can play solos just like any other instrument, and more! Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By WETA Classical

Fannie Lou Hamer was a fearless civil rights, voting rights, women’s rights, and economic equality activist, who defied threats of physical violence and challenged the all-white, oppressive delegation from her state in front of a national audience.By Remember the Ladies

Too long; didn't listen version of Remember the Ladies Episode 5 - Inez Milholland. Here are five things you should know about women's suffrage martyr Inez Milholland.By Remember the Ladies

Her final symphony is one that deserves your attention and is now performed more often. John Banther and James Jacobs discuss the challenges she faced with sexism and the French attitude towards symphonies at the time, what to listen for, influences, and her unique orchestration. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio…

Inez Milholland was a labor lawyer, social justice advocate, and women's suffrage martyr. In 1913, she led the famous suffrage parade in Washington, D.C., and she died just three years later after collapsing in the middle of a pro-suffrage speech in California.By Remember the Ladies

She was a composer, prodigy, and was considered one of the greatest pianists of the 19th century. Linda and John discuss various aspects of her compositions, education, and complicated career. Also, we share a heroic story of Clara you likely haven't heard before! Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener fo…

Happy Women's History Month! Here's a special early episode of Remember the Ladies sharing 31 women's history facts to get you through each day of Women's History Month.By Remember the Ladies

Frances Ellen Watkins Harper was a household name back in the late 1800s, but many people don't know much about her today. She was a groundbreaking writer and poet, successful traveling lecturer, and powerhouse activist in the abolition, suffrage, and temperance movements.By Remember the Ladies

It was the first symphony of an African-American woman to be performed by a major US orchestra. John Banther and Nicole Lacroix talk about how she found time to write, a hidden motif to listen for, Americana aspects of the symphony, and more. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

Too long; didn't listen version of Remember the Ladies Podcast Episode 2 -Claudette Colvin. Here are five fast facts you should know about Claudette. Learn more about Claudette in the full episode.By Remember the Ladies

Claudette Colvin was just 15 years old when she was arrested for refusing to give up her bus seat to a white person on March 2, 1955—nine whole months before Rosa Parks very famously did the same thing. Her act of civil disobedience has been largely forgotten in the course of history and the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 60s.…

DC native composer, George Walker, was one of the great American composers of the 20th and 21st centuries. His close friend and colleague, Dr. Mickey Terry, joins John Banther to discuss his life, challenges, and three works you need to listen to. Support Classical Breakdown: https://weta.org/donatefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informa…