Poster Composer Steve Reich
American composer Steve Reich has invented, developed and evolved interlocking patterns in his music for more than six decades.
Carolyn Cole/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images
Extra Eclectic

Big and small music

Extra Eclectic - Jan. 21, 2026

Sometimes a mindless diversion is necessary — and so 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, Oliver Leith’s The Big House and Daniel Dorff’s Big Sky. We get small in the second hour, with Nico Muhly’s Small Variations and his Violin Concerto, Shrink. Listen now with host Steve Seel!

Playlist

The Big House: Pomegranate
Composer: Oliver Leith
Orchestra/Ensemble: Ruisi Quartet
PentaTone 7040

increase
Composer: David Lang
Conductor: Alan Pierson
Orchestra/Ensemble: Alarm Will Sound
Cantaloupe 21139

Music for a Large Ensemble
Composer: Steve Reich
Conductor: Steve Reich
Orchestra/Ensemble: Steve Reich Ensemble
ECM 2561

Drift Multiply: Sections 1-2
Composer: Tristan Perich
Conductor: Douglas Perkins
Soloists: Josh Modney, violin
Nonesuch 791819

Big Sky: Dancing Under the Stars
Composer: Daniel Dorff
Orchestra/Ensemble: hat trick
Bridge 9595

Little Serenade
Composer: Peter Sculthorpe
Orchestra/Ensemble: Brodsky Quartet
Challenge 72007

Violin Concerto “Shrink”
Composer: Nico Muhly
Orchestra/Ensemble: Norwegian Chamber Orchestra
Soloists: Pekka Kuusisto, violin
Pentatone 745

Tripotage Miniatures
Composer: Anna Meredith
Orchestra/Ensemble: Aurora Orchestra
NMC 239

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Latest Extra Eclectic Episodes

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!

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