Classical Breakdown

Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2: a musical comeback story!

This podcast episode explores Sergei Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2 and delves into its composition, structure, and emotional depth. The hosts discuss the unique dedication of the concerto to Rachmaninoff's therapist, Dr. Dahl, and highlight the contrasting reception of the concerto compared to Rachmaninoff's Firs...

Summer Listening Guide: 4 albums to expand your musical horizons!

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

The Illustrious Life and Music of Haydn: From hardship to stardom

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

In conversation with Maestro Gianandrea Noseda: His journey, perspectives on music, conducting, and more!

Mahler's Symphony No. 1: A rewarding symphonic journey!

Fantasia: Music from the realm of imagination!

The life and music of Cecile Chaminade: Genius has no gender

Women in Music: 6 works by 6 composers you should know

Ravel's Piano Concerto for Left Hand: A masterpiece of musical illusions and creativity!

Joseph Bologne, the most interesting 18th century composer?

Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 6 "Pathetique": A symphony of unanswerable questions

Antonio Vivaldi's life, music, and the women who shaped his career

Brahms' Haydn Variations: Don't judge a theme by its composer!

A holiday gem: Margaret Bonds' The Ballad of the Brown King

George Frideric Handel: life of fame, musical style, and 3 things you didn't know before!

WG Still's Afro-American Symphony: Blues idioms, new instruments, and a uniquely American style

The Saxophone, everything you need to know about this unique genre-hopping instrument!

Mozart y Mambo! Horn superstar Sarah Willis shows off her newest album