Poster Pianist Jonathan Biss
This episode of 'Extra Eclectic' features music by Jonathan Biss.
Benjamin Ealovega
Extra Eclectic

Beethoven as a beginning

Extra Eclectic - June 25, 2025

In 2016, pianist Jonathan Biss and the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra launched Beethoven/5, commissioning five living composers to write new piano concertos, each inspired by one of Beethoven’s five concertos. We hear two of those works on this episode of Extra Eclectic: Sally Beamish’s Piano Concerto No. 3, (City Stanzas) and Timo Andres’ The Blind Banister. Steve Seel also brings us music by Arvo Pärt, Jennifer Higdon and Nico Muhly. Listen now!

Playlist

Smash
Jennifer Higdon
Third Sound Ensemble
Innova 990

Everything Lasts Forever: Bird Sing Love
Michael Kurth
Robert Spano, conductor
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
ASO Media 1011

Dream Machine
Charles Daniels
Borderlands Ensemble
New Focus 299

Piano Concerto No. 3 “City Stanzas”
Sally Beamish
Omer Meir Wellber, conductor
Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra
Jonathan Biss, piano
Orchid 100339

Light is Calling
Michael Gordon
India Gailey, cello
Redshift 511

Dreaming
Anna Thorvaldsdottir
Daniel Bjarnason, conductor
Iceland Symphony Orchestra
Dorian 92213

Pari Intervallo (Parallel Intervals)
Arvo Part
Khatia Buniatishvili, piano
Sony 79577

The Blind Banister
Timo Andres
Pekka Kuusisto, conductor
Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra
Jonathan Biss, piano
Orchid 100375

Patterns: Similar
Nico Muhly
James McVinnie, organ
Pentatone 7404

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

Earth, teach me quiet

Earth, teach me quiet

On the latest episode of Extra Eclectic, we consider the planet we call home from several different vantage points with music by Eriks Esenvalds, Martin Bresnick, Reena Esmail and more. Listen now with host Steve Seel!

1:58:59
The natural world

The natural world

Host Steve Seel continues our celebration of Earth Month on Extra Eclectic with a nod to composers who are passionate about the protection of nature’s fragile ecosystems: Steven Stucky, Scott Lee, Gabriela Montero and more. Listen now!

1:58:59
Celebrating Earth Month

Celebrating Earth Month

To celebrate Earth Month, host Steve Seel brings us modern works on themes of water on the latest episode of ‘Extra Eclectic,’ including Anna Clyne’s ‘Restless Oceans,’ Jake Runestad’s ‘Waves,’ and Maya Beiser’s setting of Olivier Messiaen’s ‘Water’ from his ‘Fete des Belles Eaux.’ Listen now!

1:58:59
The passage of time

The passage of time

It’s a rhapsodic reflection on the idea of time in the first hour of the latest episode of ‘Extra Eclectic.’ Host Steve Seel shares Chris Rogerson’s ‘Thirty Thousand Days,’ Paul Fowler’s ‘Breath’ and other selections. Listen now!

1:58:59
Women lead the way

Women lead the way

On the latest episode of ‘Extra Eclectic,’ we wrap Women’s History Month with another program showcasing how women composers are leading classical music into the future. Selections include music by Gabriela Ortiz, Allision Loggins-Hull and more. Listen now with host Steve Seel!

1:58:55
Lullabies for everyone

Lullabies for everyone

On the latest episode of ‘Extra Eclectic,’ enjoy music of nocturnal calm and comfort — often in the form of lullabies, but sometimes, dreams and night-time journeys. Listen now with host Steve Seel!

1:58:59
It's playtime!

It's playtime!

On this week’s episode of ‘Extra Eclectic,’ contemporary composers explore themes of childhood. Selections include music by Angelica Negron, Thomas Ades, Shara Nova and more. Listen now with host Steve Seel!

1:58:59
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
VIEW ALL EPISODES
YourClassical Radio
00:00
Infinity:NaN