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!

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!

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.

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.

The fascinating and entertaining stories behind classical music

Classical Breakdown

Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5 "Emperor": Breaking expectations!

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e23a54f7-c561-4492-8a44-ac4c0137c99d/clips/52a5b8ea-4dae-4fed-9330-b00000d68ba4/transcript

We get a rare opportunity to look at a country's first symphony, and it wasn't written until 1917! John and Evan explore Pejačević's symphony and show you what to listen for, what sets her symphony apart from others of the time, and how WWI directly affected her and this very work. 

We get a rare opportunity to look at a country's first symphony, and it wasn't written until 1917! John and Evan explore Pejačević's symphony and show you what to listen for, what sets her symphony apart from others of the time, and how WWI directly affected her and this very work.

Dora Pejačević's Symphony in F# minor; Croatia's very first symphony!

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e23a54f7-c561-4492-8a44-ac4c0137c99d/clips/3d023139-74a2-4389-9199-b22600ebc93e/transcript

Few composers were an overnight sensation like Gioachino Rossini! We have 3 musical characteristics of his to show you as we explore his life, travels, his love of food, and why he might have quit at the height of his fame at age 37. Plus, stay with us to the end for the Rossini cocktail!

Few composers were an overnight sensation like Gioachino Rossini! We have 3 musical characteristics of his to show you as we explore his life, travels, his love of food, and why he might have quit at the height of his fame at age 37. Plus, stay with us to the end for the Rossini cocktail!

The Life and Music of Gioachino Rossini: An overnight success, foodie, and opera sensation

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e23a54f7-c561-4492-8a44-ac4c0137c99d/clips/7cbcc624-749b-4b38-9926-b21a0103ac40/transcript

Why was the premiere a failure, and how did it get back into the repertoire? John Banther and Evan Keely uncover unique characteristics in this concerto, what to listen for, and its beguiling opening!

Why was the premiere a failure, and how did it get back into the repertoire? John Banther and Evan Keely uncover unique characteristics in this concerto, what to listen for, and its beguiling opening!

Beethoven’s iconic Violin Concerto: what to listen for and why it was an initial flop!

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e23a54f7-c561-4492-8a44-ac4c0137c99d/clips/16ef17e5-ced0-4df2-8b3c-b21000e23a98/transcript

Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5 "Emperor": Breaking expectations!

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