He's considered one of the greatest composers of the 19th century. But can you hum a tune by Brahms? We dive into the life and music of Brahms to better understand what set him apart from others, how his personality affected his music, and how he still appears in popular music and commercials today. 

He's considered one of the greatest composers of the 19th century. But can you hum a tune by Brahms? We dive into the life and music of Brahms to better understand what set him apart from others, how his personality affected his music, and how he still appears in popular music and commercials today.&nbsp;

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

The Life of Johannes Brahms

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. 

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.

The Life of Nadia Boulanger: A Lasting Impact from Bernstein to Sesame Street

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e23a54f7-c561-4492-8a44-ac4c0137c99d/clips/cdb9f70a-194d-4371-be28-b16100f0f635/transcript

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, and discuss why Haydn might have written it in the first place

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, and discuss why Haydn might have written it in the first place

Haydn's masterpiece for 4 soloists and orchestra, the Sinfonia Concertante

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e23a54f7-c561-4492-8a44-ac4c0137c99d/clips/483e9163-af50-45f7-835f-b142014c1b3b/transcript

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??

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??

The Evolution of the Piano: A Thousand Year Journey!

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e23a54f7-c561-4492-8a44-ac4c0137c99d/clips/2c488617-d3ef-45cf-ba11-b14200fc3937/transcript

The Life of Johannes Brahms

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