Poster Composer Peteris Vasks
This episode of 'Extra Eclectic' features music by Peteris Vasks.
Melanie Gomez/Schott Music
Extra Eclectic

Summer getaways

Extra Eclectic - June 5, 2025

The summer solstice is almost upon us, so Steve Seel brings us a rhapsody on summer themes on this episode of Extra Eclectic. We hear Irish composer Donnacha Dennehy’s “June” and “July” from Land of Winter (which is what the Romans called Ireland), Peteris Vasks’ Summer Dances, and just in case you’re flying to any of your summer destinations, Brian Eno has some calming travel music from his Music for Airports. In the second hour of the show, we examine how wisdom can arise from reflection, meditation, or just age — with works including Shelly Washington’s “Now” from Eternal Present and David Lang's if I am silent (after The Book of Esther). Listen now!

Playlist

Celeste
Brian Eno/Roger Eno
Vanessa Wagner, piano

Land of Winter: June and July
Donnacha Dennehy
Alan Pierson, conductor
Alarm Will Sound
Nonesuch 78994

The Beckoning Stars
Stanley Grill
Camerata Philadelphia
Innova 48

Music for Airports: 2/2
Brian Eno
Bang on a Can All-Stars
Point 536847

Eternal Present: Now
Shelley Washington
~nois

If I am silent (after The Book of Esther)
David Lang
Daniel Reuss, conductor
Cappella Amsterdam
PentaTone 7001

Slowly, Searching
Alex Shapiro
Adam Marks, piano
Innova 41

Violin Concerto No. 2 “Angel’s Share”
Erkki-Sven Tuur
Gemma New, conductor
Odense Symphony Orchestra
Hans Christian Aavik, violin
Orchid 100380

Reflections
Anna Thorvaldsdottir
International Contemporary Ensemble
Dorian 92227

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Latest Extra Eclectic Episodes

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Latest Extra Eclectic Episodes

Summer getaways

Summer getaways

The summer solstice is almost upon us, so Steve Seel brings us a rhapsody on summer themes on this episode of ‘Extra Eclectic’: Donnacha Dennehy’s ‘June’ and ‘July’ from ‘Land of Winter,’ Peteris Vasks’ ‘Summer Dances,’ and Brian Eno’s ‘Music for Airports.’ Listen now!

1:58:58
Electronic elements

Electronic elements

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1:58:59
Sounds from Southeast Asia and Oceania

Sounds from Southeast Asia and Oceania

Composers from Southeast Asia and Oceania (and those influenced by their music) are the focus on this week’s episode of ‘Extra Eclectic.’ Steve Seel plays Eunike Tanzil’s ‘Serenade’ and Su Lian Tan‘s ‘Legend of Kintamani,’ as well as works by Lou Harrison and Colin McPhee. Listen now!

1:58:59
Let our garden grow

Let our garden grow

This week’s episode of ‘Extra Eclectic’ is a musical garden, with contemporary classical works about flowers, rain, and sun. Steve Seel plays us Yoko Kanno’s ‘Flowers Will Bloom,’ Takashi Yoshimatsu’s piano concerto ‘Memo Flora,’ Terry Riley’s ‘Sun Rings,’ Caroline Shaw’s ‘Let the Soil Play its Simple Part’ and much more. Listen now!

1:58:59
Whimsy and wonder

Whimsy and wonder

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1:58:59
Folk inspirations with guest host Jake Armerding

Folk inspirations with guest host Jake Armerding

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1:58:56
A final bow for a maverick

A final bow for a maverick

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1:58:59
Earth and sky

Earth and sky

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1:58:59
Poetry inspires

Poetry inspires

On the latest episode of ‘Extra Eclectic’: National Poetry Month is an opportunity to explore modern classical sounds that set poetry. Host Steve Seel features works by John Adams, Caroline Shaw and others — in settings of the poetry of Emily Dickinson, Mary Oliver and more. Listen now!

1:58:58
Togetherness

Togetherness

This episode of ‘Extra Eclectic’ features music about caring for one another, including ‘Put Your Loving Arms Around Me’ from John Adams’ ‘Gnarly Buttons,’ Andy Akiho’s ‘Belonging’ and Terry Riley’s ‘Be Kind to One Another.’ Listen now with host Steve Seel!

1:58:58
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