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

Love the music?

Donate by phone
1-800-562-8440

Show your support by making a gift to YourClassical.

Each day, we’re here for you with thoughtful streams that set the tone for your day – not to mention the stories and programs that inspire you to new discovery and help you explore the music you love.

YourClassical is available for free, because we are listener-supported public media. Take a moment to make your gift today.

More Ways to Give

Your Donation

$5/month
$10/month
$15/month
$20/month
$

Latest Extra Eclectic Episodes

VIEW ALL EPISODES

Latest Extra Eclectic Episodes

Ballet for modern times

Ballet for modern times

Ballet as we know it may have first emerged in the Italian Renaissance, but even today, modern composers are still writing for the art form. On the latest episode of ‘Extra Eclectic,’ we hear a number of contemporary ballet scores. Listen now with host Steve Seel!

1:58:57
Music that bears repeating

Music that bears repeating

Forms of repetition are explored on this week’s episode of ‘Extra Eclectic.’ We hear selections including ‘Divine Objects’ from Johann Johannsson’s ‘Drone Mass,’ the ‘Chaconni’ from Jennifer Higdon’s Violin Concerto, John Corigliano’s ‘Fantasia on an Ostinato’ and much more. Listen now with host Steve Seel!

1:58:58
Dance party with guest host Bonnie North

Dance party with guest host Bonnie North

On the latest episode of ‘Extra Eclectic,’ guest host Bonnie North shares a program of modern dance music, including polonaises by Thomas Ades, excerpts from Wynton Marsalis’ ‘Blues Symphony,’ Stephen Jaffe’s ‘Light Dances’ and more. Listen now!

1:58:57
All American music with guest host Jake Armerding
1:58:58
Beethoven as a beginning

Beethoven as a beginning

In 2016, pianist Jonathan Biss and the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra launched ‘Beethoven/5,’ commissioning five composers to write new piano concertos, each inspired by one of Beethoven’s. We hear two of those works on this episode of ‘Extra Eclectic.’ Listen now!

1:58:58
Terry Riley at 90

Terry Riley at 90

Iconoclastic and massively influential American composer Terry Riley celebrates his 90th birthday on June 24, and we honor him this week on ‘Extra Eclectic’ by devoting the entire first hour to a cross-section of his output. Listen now with host Steve Seel!

1:58:59
Middle Eastern connections

Middle Eastern connections

Contemporary composers with Middle Eastern roots provide a lively tapestry on this week’s episode of ‘Extra Eclectic.’ We hear Layale Chaker’s ‘Ya Fajr’ from ‘Mkhammas Suite,’ Reza Vali’s Calligraphy No. 16, ‘Isfahan’ and more. Listen now with host Steve Seel!

1:58:58
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

On this week’s episode of ‘Extra Eclectic,’ Your Classical Fellow Anna Tessman guest-curates a playlist showcasing modern classical works featuring electronic sounds and textures — often integrated with traditional acoustic instruments. Listen now with host Steve Seel!

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
VIEW ALL EPISODES
YourClassical Radio
0:00
0:00