Poster John Adams' latest album is inspired by Beethoven
&nbsp
Deborah O'Grady
Extra Eclectic

Extra Eclectic: John Adams, Jazz, and Dance

Extra Eclectic for February 27, 2019

When John Adams decided to write a saxophone concerto, he first listened to some that previous composers had written, but he found that they didn't speak to him. Instead, he decided he'd get out his favorite jazz records for inspiration - from Charlie Parker and Eric Dophy to Wayne Shorter. The result was a concerto that was influenced more by jazz than classical music. Steve plays Adams' work and some others that have prominent rhythmic elements or "dance" themes in this week's episode (beginning the program with a piece by Andre Previn, who died this week at the age of 89).

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

Soundtracks on the cutting edge

Soundtracks on the cutting edge

On this edition of ‘Extra Eclectic,’ we hear highlights from a concert at the 2024 BBC Proms celebrating creative cinematic sounds, including music by Son Lux from ‘Everything, Everywhere, All at Once,’ Bryce Dessner from ‘Sing Sing’ and more. Listen now with host Steve Seel!

1:58:59
Modern music thrives at the Proms

Modern music thrives at the Proms

On this episode of ‘Extra Eclectic,’ host Steve Seel has more from the 2024 BBC Proms festival, including ‘Stravaganza’ — a new work by Karl Jenkins written for saxophonist Jess Gillam — and an adventurous piece by Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho. Listen now!

1:58:59
Getting in the spirit

Getting in the spirit

The music is exultant on this week’s show, as host Steve Seel brings us John Adams’ ‘Hallelujah Junction’ and we visit the 2024 BBC Proms Festival for a live recording of Wynton Marsalis’ ‘Herald, Holler and Hallelujah.’ Listen now!

1:58:59
We're off to The Proms!

We're off to The Proms!

This week, ‘Extra Eclectic’ begins its weekly visits to the biggest classical music celebration in the world, the BBC Proms — with highlights from the British summertime festival’s rich offerings of contemporary music performances. Listen now with host Steve Seel!

1:58:59
A night out

A night out

‘You Come Here Often?’ It's not a question, but the name of the piano piece by Michael Tilson Thomas that opens this week’s episode of ‘Extra Eclectic,’ which nods to gathering places with John Adams’ Saxophone Concerto, Paul Schoenfield’s ‘Cafe Music’ and more. Listen now with host Steve Seel!

1:58:58
Music in motion

Music in motion

The momentum is palpable on this week’s episode of ‘Extra Eclectic,’ as host Steve Seel brings us works that hum along with motor-like rhythms. We enjoy Nico Muhly’s ‘Motion,’ Alex Shapiro’s ‘Perpetual Spark,’ Philip Glass’ ‘Music in Similar Motion’ and more. Listen now!

1:58:58
Duos and Duets

Duos and Duets

It’s music for two this week on ‘Extra Eclectic,’ as Steve Seel features works for two players, or two soloists with orchestra. Selections include pieces by Steve Reich, Jessie Montgomery and Richard Danielpour. Listen now!

1:58:59
Percussion for the night hours

Percussion for the night hours

This week on Extra Eclectic, host Steve Seel brings us percussive sounds with an emphasis on vibraphones, bells, marimbas, and yes, the piano. We hear works from Takashi Yoshimatsu, John Luther Adams, and more.

1:58:59
Warm sounds — and a Black American perspective

Warm sounds — and a Black American perspective

On this episode of ‘Extra Eclectic,’ host Steve Seel features music by Black American composers with an added undercurrent on the theme of unity. We hear works from Carlos Simon’s ‘Warmth of Other Suns’ to Valerie Coleman’s ‘Umoja: Anthem of Unity’ and more.

1:58:59
Night music

Night music

It’s hard to believe that nights are already getting a bit longer again! On this episode of ‘Extra Eclectic,’ we’ll hear Meredith Monk’s ‘Nightfall,’ Johann Johannsson’s ‘Good Night, Day,’ Caroline Shaw’s ‘Who Turns Out The Light’ and more. Listen now with host Steve Seel!

1:59:00
VIEW ALL EPISODES