However you measure the beginning of summer (Memorial Day weekend? June 1? The solstice?), one thing’s certain: summer is now officially underway. Steve Seel features contemporary classical sounds for summer on this episode of Extra Eclectic, including Jonathan Bailey Holland’s Halcyon Sun, Peteris Vasks’ Music for a Summer Evening, and the late Michael Tilson Thomas’ Sunset Soliloquy. In the second hour, it’s works specifically for a summer night, including pieces by Elena Ruehr, Aaron Jay Kernis and others. Listen now!
Playlist
Midsummer Song
Composer: Arturs Maskats
Conductor: Maris Sirmais
Orchestra/Ensemble: Kamer Choir
Soloists: Rihards Zalupe, percussion
Quartz 2065
Music for a Summer Evening
Composer: Peteris Vasks
Soloists: Ieva Jokubaviciute, piano
Dorian 92251
Upon Further Reflection: Sunset Soliloquy
Composer: Michael Tilson Thomas
Soloists: John Wilson, piano
Pentatone 7355
Halcyon Sun
Composer: Jonathan Bailey Holland
Conductor: Paavo Jarvi
Orchestra/Ensemble: Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra
CSOM 945
Akhnaten: Hymn to the Sun
Composer: Philip Glass
Conductor: Jonathan Cohen
Orchestra/Ensemble: The King’s Violins
Soloists: Anthony Roth Costanzo, countertenor
London/Decca 28648
String Quartet No. 10 “Long Pond”: Moonrise
Composer: Elena Ruehr
Orchestra/Ensemble: Quartet ES
Avie 2798
Sandhiprakash
Composer: Reena Esmail
Soloists: Yolanda Kondonassis, harp
Azica 71392
Horizon: True Horizon
Composer: John Luther Adams
Conductor: Richard Tognetti
Orchestra/Ensemble: Australian Chamber Orchestra
Cold Blue 71
Moonlight Sonata: Adagio
Composer: Ludwig van Beethoven
Soloists: Maya Beiser, cello
Islandia 1
Musica Celestis
Composer: Aaron Jay Kernis
Conductor: Eiji Oue
Orchestra/Ensemble: Minnesota Orchestra
Virgin 45464
Love the music?
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.









