It might be one of the oldest ideas in all of music (of any kind!), but, how did it develop in our Western classical music tradition? John and Evan explore what makes a theme and variations, 4 specific types to listen for, and a modern example using a theme you wouldn't expect!

It might be one of the oldest ideas in all of music (of any kind!), but, how did it develop in our Western classical music tradition? John and Evan explore what makes a theme and variations, 4 specific types to listen for, and a modern example using a theme you wouldn't expect!

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

Theme and Variations: 4 types and what to listen for!

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e23a54f7-c561-4492-8a44-ac4c0137c99d/clips/7cf25bbd-3ab5-47a6-9430-b01c0127bab6/transcript

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

Theme and Variations: 4 types and what to listen for!

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