We’re contemplating the importance and mystery of our planet on the latest episode of Extra Eclectic, with two hours of Earth-themed works. In the first hour, we visit the 2025 BBC Proms Festival for a performance of Harrison Birtwistle’s Earth Dances and also listen to part of Erland Cooper’s astonishing Carve the Runes Then Be Content with Silence, described as the first collaboration between a composer and the Earth itself. We also hear Steven Stucky’s salute to Rachel Carson’s environmental treatise Silent Spring, and Gavin Bryars’ adaptation of Wendel Berry’s essay A Native Hill. Listen now with host Steve Seel!
Playlist
Blue Curve of the Earth
Tina Davidson
Hilary Hahn, violin
DG 19103
Earth Dances
Harrison Birtwistle
Ryan Wigglesworth, conductor
BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
2025 BBC Proms Prom 14
Carve the Runes Then Be Content With Silence: walking through heather and peat
Erland Cooper
Studio Collective
Daniel Pioro, violin
Mercury KX 6576069
Black Earth
Fazil Say
Between Worlds Ensemble
Avi Avital, mandolin
DG 4867526
Let the Soil Play Its Simple Part
Caroline Shaw/So Percussion/Jonathan Low
So Percussion
Caroline Shaw, vocals
Nonesuch 979159
String Quartet No. 3 “Gaia”: Dance of the Earth
Stacy Garrop
Biava String Quartet
Cedille 122
Silent Spring
Steven Stucky
Manfred Honeck, conductor
Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
Reference 747
Gratitude
Dawn Avery
Wilhelmina Smith, cello
Azica 71377
A Native Hill: At Peace
Gavin Bryars
Donald Nally, conductor
The Crossing
Navona 6347
Hear the Dust Blow
Michael Daugherty
Yolanda Kondonassis, harp
Azica 71349
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