Poster Kaija Saariaho
Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho was always searching for new timbres of instrumental sound. Her piece 'Ciel d’Hiver (Winter Sky)' is featured on this episode of 'Extra Eclectic.'
Raphael Gaillarde/Getty Images
Extra Eclectic

Winter music: part one with guest host Ward Jacobson

Extra Eclectic - Dec. 12, 2025

On the latest episode of Extra Eclectic, guest host Ward Jacobson shares a soundtrack for cold, dark evenings. Hear seasonal and atmospheric music by Hildur Gudnadottir, Pauline Oliveros and Kaija Saariaho. Listen now!

Playlist

Polar: The Waves
Gabriel Olafs
Viktor Orri Arnason, conductor
Reykjavik Orchestra

Seasonal Music: Winter Music
Christopher Stark
Momenta Quartet
Bridge 9526

Deep Listening: Suiren
Pauline Oliveros/Stuart Dempster/Panaiotis
Pauline Oliveros, voice
New Albion 22

O Magnum Mysterium (O Great Mystery)
Ivo Antognini
Stephen Layton, conductor
Choir of Trinity College, Cambridge
Hyperion 68425

Melody of Not Knowing
Hildur Gudnadottir
Hildur Gudnadottir, cello
DG 4863110

The Unquestioned Answer
Laurie Spiegel
James McVinnie, organ

sleeper’s prayer
David Lang
Benjamin Nicholas, conductor
Choir of Merton College, Oxford
Tom Fetherstonhaugh, organ
Delphian 34232

Hayy: Revealing the Tones
Michael Harrison
Michael Harrison, piano
Cantaloupe 21157

Ciel d’Hiver (Winter Sky)
Kaija Saariaho
Hannu Lintu, conductor
Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra
Ondine 1309

Sleeping Pendulum
Maria Huld Markan Sigfusdottir
Nordic Affect
Dorian 70001

Light is Calling
Michael Gordon
India Gailey, cello
Redshift 511

Drone Mass: The Mountain View, the Majesty of the Snow-Clad Peaks, from a Place of Contemplation and Reflection
Johann Johannsson
Paul Hillier, conductor
Theatre of Voices
DG 4837419

Lines Made By Walking: Down the Mountain
John Luther Adams
JACK Quartet
Cold Blue 58

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

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
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
VIEW ALL EPISODES
YourClassical Radio
00:00
Infinity:NaN