Bryce Dessner: a composer for the 21st century

Summer means music festivals! On this week’s ‘Extra Eclectic,’ host Steve Seel samples from the incredible choices modern classical fans have this year for a road trip. We hear from composers and performers who will be showcased at Aspen, Grand Teton and more. Listen now!

Beethoven lurks in the melodies and motifs in this week’s edition of Extra Eclectic, with modern works that quote, refer to or otherwise honor his compositions. In the second hour, host Steve Seel brings us works that approach the piano as a percussion instrument. Listen now!

In the realm of modern classical music, there are a number of ensembles and performers who focus exclusively on the new and experimental. Steve Seel highlights a host of them on this episode of ‘Extra Eclectic,’ including Brooklyn Rider, So Percussion and the Philip Glass Ensemble.

Bryce Dessner is equally at home writing classical works as he is playing guitar in the critically-acclaimed band The National. Host Steve Seel features his Concerto for Two Pianos on this edition of ‘Extra Eclectic.’ Listen now!

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and on episode of ‘Extra Eclectic,’ host Steve Seel features works that touch on mental health concepts, but are also, purely coincidentally, by composers of Persian ancestry. Later, hear modern works with religious connotations. Listen now!

The Oxford Dictionary defines “gallimaufry” as “a confused jumble or medley of things.” It’s that kind of grab-bag of selections we enjoy on the latest episode of ‘Extra Eclectic,’ with works from Ying-Hsueh Chen, Juri Reinvere and Rob Deemer. Listen now with host Steve Seel!

The first day of May is considered the first day of summer in Celtic tradition. Whether you’re giving thanks for spring or summer, there’s little doubt that things are greening outside — and we celebrate that on this episode of ‘Extra Eclectic,’ with host Steve Seel. Listen now!

Don some good hiking boots — we’re ascending mountains and encountering some of their native fauna on this episode of ‘Extra Eclectic.’ Host Steve Seel shares Jane Antonia Cornish’s ‘Sierra,’ Jennifer Higdon’s ‘Coyote Nights,’ Kayan Kalhor’s ‘Mountains are Far Away’ and more. Listen now!

The Pacific Ocean figures prominently on this week’s episode of ‘Extra Eclectic,’ with David Crowell’s ‘Pacific Coast Highway’ Daniel Temkin’s ‘Ocean's Call’ and more. We also look forward to Earth Day with a playlist including Dustin O’Halloran’s ‘Spiritus Naturae Aeternus.’ Listen now with host Steve Seel.

As we continue to bask in the afterglow of this week’s eclipse, we’ll enjoy music about light and shadow. Outi Tarkianinen’s ‘Midnight Sun Variations,’ Vanessa Lann’s ‘Shining Still’ and Elena Ruehr’s ‘Shadow Light’ are featured. Ward Jacobsen guest hosts.