Poster Composer and guitarist Bryce Dessner.
Composer and guitarist Bryce Dessner.
Shervin Lainez
Extra Eclectic

Multifaceted Bryce Dessner composes a work for the Labeque sisters

Extra Eclectic - Jan. 25

Like this?

Log in to share your opinion with YourClassical and add it to your profile.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this song! We have added it to a personal playlist for you.

There have long been connections between classical music and rock. Many rock performers are classically trained. In the ‘60s and ‘70s, progressive rock welcomed conventions of classical music into rock songwriting. Today, you're likely to find many performers working in both genres simultaneously. Bryce Dessner is a great example, as the lead guitarist in the critically acclaimed band the National and as a composer who's written for the likes of the Kronos Quartet. Listen with Extra Eclectic host Steve Seel as he plays Dessner's Concerto for Two Pianos, written for the sister duo of Katia and Marielle Labeque.

Episode Playlist

Michael Daugherty: This Land Sings: Marfa Lights
Dogs of Desire
David Alan Miller, conductor
Eric Berlin, flugelhorn
Jennifer Bellor: Skylark Lullaby
Eastman Saxophone Project
Chien-Kwan Lin, conductor
Terry Riley: Francesco en Paraiso
Alexandra Hawley, flute
Jeffrey McFadden, guitar
Bryce Dessner: Concerto for Two Pianos
Paris Orchestra
Matthias Pintscher, conductor
Katia & Marielle Labeque, pianos
Marielle Labeque, piano
Bill Ryan: A Simple Place
Billband
Ludovico Einaudi: Luminous
Ludovico Einaudi, piano
London/Decca
Gloria Coates: Symphony No. 1 "Music on Open Strings": 1st movement
Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra
Elgar Howarth, conductor
Anna Thorvaldsdottir: Ro
CAPUT Ensemble
Gudni Franzson, conductor
Sophia Subbayya Vastek: In This Life
Sophia Subbayya Vastek, piano
LJ White: a carol called love
The Crossing
Donald Nally, conductor
Keith Jarrett: Adagio for Oboe and String Orchestra
Fairfield Orchestra
Thomas Crawford, conductor
Marcia Butler, oboe
John Adams: Gnarly Buttons: Put Your Loving Arms Around Me
London Sinfonietta
John Adams, conductor
Michael Collins, clarinet

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

VIEW ALL EPISODES
Modern sounds of the season

Modern sounds of the season

It’s an annual tradition: the Winter Solstice episode of ‘Extra Eclectic,’ with modern classical sounds to compliment the longest nights of the year and the traditions and rituals of warmth that accompany them. Listen now with host Steve Seel!

1:58:59
Lights in a dark sky

Lights in a dark sky

As we get closer to the longest nights of the year, Steve Seel brings us some atmospheric modern works for clear, cold night skies on this week’s episode of ‘Extra Eclectic,’ including Michael Ippolito’s ‘Big Sky, Low Horizon,’ Elena Ruehr’s ‘Cloud Atlas’ and more. Listen now!

1:58:59
Contemporary concertos

Contemporary concertos

Finnish composer Magnus Lindberg wanted to create sounds that hover in his Viola Concerto, and it seems he succeeded — as we hear in one of the showcased works on this episode of ‘Extra Eclectic.’ Listen now with host Steve Seel!

1:58:59
Who says modern classical can't be gorgeous?

Who says modern classical can't be gorgeous?

Who says modern classical can't be gorgeous? On the latest episode of Extra Eclectic, host Steve Seel helps take the edge off the Thanksgiving holiday with good music to calm your nerves after a day of traveling. Listen now!

1:59:00
Hitting the road

Hitting the road

On the latest episode of Extra Eclectic, we’re getting a head start on the biggest travel days of the year with contemporary pieces about getting from point A to point B on this edition of the show. Listen now with host Steve Seel!

1:58:59
Voices of remarkable women

Voices of remarkable women

On the latest episode of ‘Extra Eclectic,’ host Steve Seel shares two hours of music by women composers. Highlights include Paola Presetini’s ‘Code,’ Reena Esmail’s ‘Black Iris’ and Anna Thorvaldsdottir’s stirring ‘Hear Us In Heaven.’

1:58:58
The sound of fall colors

The sound of fall colors

On the latest episode of Extra Eclectic, we hear from Lithuanian composer Zibuokle Martinaityte (‘Autumn’ from her suite ‘Sielunmaisema’), Mary Lattimore (‘Pine Trees’), Jennifer Higdon (‘Autumn Music’), and more. Listen now with host Steve Seel!

1:58:59
A musical playground with guest host Bonnie North

A musical playground with guest host Bonnie North

On the latest episode of ‘Extra Eclectic,’ with guest host Bonnie North, Carlos Simon’s ‘Loop,’ Michael Daugherty’s ‘Bounce,’ and Karl Mitze’s ‘Seesaw’ are featured alongside the blazing Piano Concerto by Mason Bates. Listen now!

1:58:57
Guest host Valerie Kahler features Needham’s ‘Shades of Green’
1:58:59
What goes around comes around

What goes around comes around

On this week's Extra Eclectic, Steve Seel showcases modern works that use rounds and "looping" phrases in their structure, as well as music that celebrates the fall season with modern works that have an autumnal air. Listen now!

1:58:59
VIEW ALL EPISODES

We can help you find classical music you'll love

  • Take a 2 minute quiz to share your taste
  • We'll recommend YourClassical programming just for you
  • Discover the power and joy of classical music
Man playing violin