Poster Composer Terry Riley
This episode of 'Extra Eclectic' features music by composer Terry Riley.
SMC Design
Extra Eclectic

Terry Riley at 90

Extra Eclectic - June 18, 2025

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. Longtime Riley collaborators Kronos Quartet perform Sunrise of the Planetary Dream Collector, pianist Sarah Cahill plays his Be Kind to One Another rag, and Riley plays his mesmerizing piano piece The Philosopher's Hand. In the second hour, Steve Seel prepares us for the start of summer with a set of still, “humid” works, including Ingram Marshall’s Entrada and Don’t Bother They’re Here by the duo Stars of the Lid.

Playlist

The Harp of New Albion: Cadence of the Wind
Terry Riley
John Schneider, guitar
Bridge 9132

Sunrise of the Planetary Dream Collector
Terry Riley
Kronos Quartet
Gramavision 187014

Cantos Desiertos: Quijote
Terry Riley
Alexandra Hawley, flute
Naxos 559146

The Philosopher’s Hand
Terry Riley
Terry Riley, piano
Nonesuch 79639

June Buddhas: 216th-B Chorus
Terry Riley
Dennis Russell Davies, conductor
Brooklyn Philharmonic Orchestra
MusicMasters 67089

The Lake
Terry Riley/Gyan Riley
Terry Riley, piano, melodica, electronics
Org 2142

Be Kind to One Another (Rag)
Terry Riley
Sarah Cahill, piano
Other Minds 1022

Duet
Steve Reich
Daniel Hope, conductor
Basel Chamber Orchestra
Daniel Hope, violin
DG 4795305

Entrada
Ingram Marshall
Maia Quartet
New Albion 92

Passacaglia
Douwe Eisenga
Piccola Accademia degli Specchi
Zefir 9627

The Maze of Longing
Peter Garland
Carson Cooman, organ
Cold Blue 70

Don’t Bother They’re Here
Adam Wiltzie/Brian McBride
Stars of the Lid
Kranky 100

Night Peace
John Luther Adams
Atlanta Singers
New Albion 61

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

Women composers at home and away

Women composers at home and away

‘Extra Eclectic’ continues its celebration of Women's History Month this week with female composers musing on the subject of home and family, nostalgia and love. Enjoy selections by Andrea Casarrubios, Gabriela Lena Frank, Chen Yi and more. Listen now with host Steve Seel!

1:58:59
Women at the forefront

Women at the forefront

As Women’s History Month begins, ‘Extra Eclectic’ celebrates how women represent the vanguard of contemporary classical music today with two hours of stellar women composers. Listen now with host Steve Seel!

1:58:57
An American Mirror

An American Mirror

We continue our celebration of Black History Month on the latest episode of Extra Ecletic, with works from Black composers reflecting the rich tapestry of American music — and the music that has influenced them personally. Listen now with host Steve Seel!

1:58:59
Black classical musicians shine    

Black classical musicians shine    

The latest episode of ‘Extra Eclectic’ presents the first of two programs for Black History Month, with a wealth of fantastic modern classical music from Black composers and performers. Listen now with host Steve Seel!

1:58:56
Percussive possibilities

Percussive possibilities

When we hear “percussion,” we often think of drums — but the world of percussion contains so much more, and we explore that world on the latest episode of ‘Extra Eclectic’ in works by Shelley Washington, Ayanna Woods, Andy Akiho and more. Listen now!

2:00:00
A new day

A new day

As ‘Extra Eclectic’ moves to its new Monday evening time slot, host Steve Seel centers the show’s first hour on themes of “a new day,” including works by John Adams, Thomas Ades and Dobrinka Tabakova. Listen now!

1:59:00
Night and day

Night and day

On the latest episode of Extra Eclectic, we’re looking skyward, toward both the sun and the stars. Selections include music by Meredith Monk, Max Richter, Terry Riley and more. Listen now with host Steve Seel!

1:58:59
Big and small music

Big and small music

On the latest episode of ‘Extra Eclectic,’ our theme is a simple one: “big” and “small” pieces. In the first hour, the works come in large sizes, including Steve Reich’s ‘Music for a Large Ensemble.’ We get small in the second hour with Nico Muhly’s ‘Small Variations.’ Listen now with host Steve Seel!

1:58:58
Music for loss and longing

Music for loss and longing

On the latest episode of ‘Extra Eclectic,’ we hear music that honors sadness, grief and healing. Selections include Tamar Sagiv’s ‘Shades of Mourning,’ “Longing” from Dobrinka Tabakova’s Concerto for Cello and Strings and more. Listen now with host Steve Seel!

2:00:00
New music for a new year

New music for a new year

With a new year, we bring you two hours of new works on the latest episode of ‘Extra Eclectic,’ and it’s hard to think of a better way to go than by focusing on the composers who are emerging as the voices taking classical music into the future: the women. Listen now with host Steve Seel!

1:58:59
VIEW ALL EPISODES
YourClassical Radio
0:00
0:00