Extra Eclectic - Jan. 25

There have long been connections between classical music and rock. Many rock performers are classically trained. In the ‘60s and ‘70s, progressive rock welcomed conventions of classical music into rock songwriting. Today, you're likely to find many performers working in both genres simultaneously. Bryce Dessner is a great example, as the lead guitarist in the critically acclaimed band the National and as a composer who's written for the likes of the Kronos Quartet. Listen with Extra Eclectic host Steve Seel as he plays Dessner's 

, written for the sister duo of Katia and Marielle Labeque.

Michael Daugherty: This Land Sings: Marfa Lights

Gloria Coates: Symphony No. 1 "Music on Open Strings": 1st movement

Keith Jarrett: Adagio for Oboe and String Orchestra

John Adams: Gnarly Buttons: Put Your Loving Arms Around Me

Steve Seel possesses a broad knowledge of many musical genres, having hosted radio programs ranging from classical to jazz and even avant-garde music at public radio stations around the country. Steve came to Minnesota Public Radio in 1999 to be a part of its nationally-syndicated classical music programming. In 2005, he became one of the founding voices on MPR's eclectic station The Current, and has hosted various time slots from mornings to late nights, and conducted in-depth interviews with pop music luminaries ranging from Brian Eno to David Byrne to Tori Amos. 
 
Steve is an avid reader of political and social commentary as well, and he emcees The Current's popular Policy and a Pint community series, featuring discussions with noted scholars, politicians, community leaders, authors and big thinkers on important issues of the day. Steve is also a basement composer obsessed with all things both minimalist and slow, and might actually be incapable of writing anything that exceeds 75 beats-per-minute.


MPR Photo

Steve Seel

This week on Extra Eclectic, host Steve Seel introduces the multitalented Bryce Dessner, who is the lead guitarist in the critically acclaimed band the National and a composer. Listen with Seel as he plays Dessner's ‘Concerto for Two Pianos,’ written for the sister duo of Katia and Marielle Labeque. 


Multifaceted Bryce Dessner composes a work for the Labeque sisters