Contemporary Classical Music Podcast
Pianist Jenny Lin likes to test her limits. In 2006 she challenged composers to write virtuosic works for her in which they imagined that she had an eleventh finger. Not surprisingly, these pieces are now some of the hardest in the piano repertoire but she hasn’t rested on her laurels since then. Her latest labor … Continue reading #271 Live at LPR: Jenny Lin Plays ICEBERG
Jeremiah Moss’ book, Vanishing New York inspired this live program featuring the music of New York City composers who were an important staple of the ’70’s and ’80’s scene but were taken too soon. We’re honoring Julius Eastman, Arthur Russell, Ben Weber, and Tui St. German Tucker by representing their works and stories. This program … Continue reading #270 Live at Lincoln Center: Vanishing City
Rolling Stone declared Nels Cline as one of the 20 “new guitar gods” and one of the top 100 guitarists of all time. He may be best known as the guitarist of rock band Wilco, but he’s also a talented composer. Seth sits down with Cline to discuss his compositional and improvisational style, making the … Continue reading #269 Nels Cline
There’s a subsection of contemporary music called ‘Musical Historicism;’ a genre of music that uses historical elements and revives them in modern works. From Minimalism to Totalism, Modernism to Post-Modernism to Neomodernism; we’re taking a look at pieces that influence contemporary compositions, either to mimic the past or to be the antithesis. Hosted by Seth … Continue reading #268 Antecedents
Over 60 years of composing, Thea Musgrave is a powerful voice that demand respect around the world. We’re taking a deep-dive into her massive library and showcasing her eclectic range including chamber, orchestral, and electronic works. Hosted by Seth BousteadProduced by Dan Goldberg Music Turbulent Landscapes BBC Symphony Orchestra; Osmo Vänskä, conductor Concerto for OrchestraGervase … Continue reading #267 Thea Musgrave
During the LA Philharmonic’s 2018/19 season, they commissioned 50 new works from artists including Louis Andriessen, Unsuk Chin, Philip Glass, and Steve Reich, just to name a few. Composer and curator of the first of the LA Phil’s new music series, entitled Green Umbrella, Andrew Norman talks about the Southern Californian composers that he’s presenting. … Continue reading #266 Green Umbrella
Virtuosic violinist Jennifer Koh is known for her commanding performances and technical assurance. Although she performs Tchaikovsky and Bach she’s interested in finding the connection between the arts and music of all eras from traditional to now. Jennifer Koh tells us about some of the 60 works that have been written especially for her including … Continue reading #265 Jennifer Koh
We’re opening our doors to Nick Photinos, David Schrader, and other Thirsty Ears Street Festival performers for a preview concert. The third annual festival kicks off on Saturday, August 11 and ends on Sunday, August 12. You can visit the festival at Wilson street between Hermitage and Ravenswood; the two day event will feature fifteen stellar … Continue reading #264 Thirsty Ears Festival Preview
Grammy-winning composer, pianist and conductor, Joan Tower, has been said to be “one of the most successful women composers of all time” by The New Yorker. This year she’s celebrating her 80th birthday and we’ve chosen to talk to her about her most memorable works and stories. The Grammy-award winning Made in America made the cut … Continue reading #263 Joan Tower
Chopin, Kreisler, Bach and more have written compositions less than three minutes in length. This trend is no stranger to contemporary pieces. We’ll pack as many of these tiny gems as possible as we uncover why composers enjoy creating these mini masterworks. Hosted by Seth BousteadProduced by Sarah Zwinklis Music3 Miniatures for Violin and Piano … Continue reading #262 Musical Miniatures