Richard Wagner: The flawed man who changed opera

Richard Wagner: The flawed man who changed opera

Author: WETA Classical March 31, 2026 Duration: 1:18:39
This composer's life was tumultuous and sometimes straight out of a soap opera. John Banther and Evan Keely explore what led him to opera, his initial success and failures, his bigoted "Judaism in Music" essay, and how his Ring Cycle changed everything.

Ever wondered what really goes into a symphony or what a composer was thinking when they wrote that haunting melody? Classical Breakdown is for anyone who loves the sound of an orchestra but craves a deeper connection to the music. Host John Banther, from the studios of WETA Classical in Washington, D.C., doesn't just play the great works; he opens them up, piece by piece. Each episode feels like a backstage pass, blending insightful interviews with musicians and experts alongside his own engaging analysis. You'll find yourself hearing familiar pieces in entirely new ways, discovering the stories, techniques, and historical contexts that bring the notes on the page to vivid life. This isn't a dry lecture, but a conversation about the passion and craft behind classical music. New installments of this insightful podcast arrive every other Tuesday, offering a regular dose of clarity and discovery. Whether you're a lifelong aficionado or just beginning to explore, Classical Breakdown provides the kind of rich, accessible understanding that makes every listening experience more meaningful.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Classical Breakdown
Podcast Episodes
Korngold's Violin Concerto, from the Golden Age of Hollywood! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:40
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,…
Episode 100, let's celebrate! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:46:50
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,…
Jean Sibelius, how a composer became the voice of a nation! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:32
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. Plu…
Opera 101, everything you wanted to know but were afraid to ask! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:47
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 eac…
The Nocturne, a journey from the 19th century to Daft Punk! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:34
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 Break…
Respighi's The Pines of Rome: a picturesque tour of Rome! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:17
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 reference…
The short yet musically prolific life of Franz Schubert [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:12
He was a composer who seemed to fit some of the "tragic artist" stereotypes of the Romantic period, he was prolific, had unrequited love, and died tragically young. John Banther and James Jacobs explore Schubert's life,…