Poster Portrait of composer Gabriela Lena Frank
This episode of 'Extra Eclectic' features music by Gabriela Lena Frank.
Mariah Tauger 
Extra Eclectic

Night and the city

Extra Eclectic - Aug. 13, 2025

You’ll swear Humphrey Bogart as Sam Spade is on the trail of his latest case while listening to this week’s episode of Extra Eclectic — as we listen to music depicting the mystery and romance of the city at night. John Adams’ City Noir is an explicit ode to 40s and 50s noir in its jazz overtones and smoky vibe, and urban nightlife is celebrated elsewhere in Gabriela Lena Frank’s Manhattan Serenades and Michael Tilson Thomas’ You Come Here Often?. In the second hour, Steve Seel returns to a favorite subject — the night sky — with selections including Elena Ruehr’s Shimmer and David Bruce’s The Eye of Night

Playlist

You Come Here Often?
Michael Tilson Thomas
Yuja Wang, piano
DG 4864261

Manhattan Serenades
Gabriela Lena Frank
Aron Zelkowicz, cello
Toccata 23

City Noir
John Adams
Marin Alsop, conductor
Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra
Naxos 559935

Floating City
Julia Kent
Julia Kent, cello
Leaf 106

Air for the Poet
Lou Harrison
Guido Facchin, conductor
Tammittam Percussion Ensemble
Dynamic 401

Shimmer
Elena Ruehr 
Gil Rose, conductor
Boston Modern Orchestra Project
BMOP/sound 1039

The Eye of Night
David Bruce
hat trick
Bridge 9595

Just Constellations: The Opening Constellation: Summer
Michael Harrison
Roomful of Teeth
New Amsterdam 134

Aurora ficta
Stephen Scott
The Bowed Piano Ensemble
Navona 5937

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