Contemporary Classical Music Podcast
Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Michael Colgrass has had a varied career as jazz drummer, freelance percussionist and composer of a dizzying array of works in every conceivable genre. Hosted by Seth BousteadProduced by Jesse McQuarters Michael Colgrass: Winds of Nagual New England Conservatory Wind Ensemble/Battisti Albany 560 9:04, 15:01 Michael Colgrass: Arctic Dreams New England Conservatory … Continue reading #163 Michael Colgrass
Critic Kyle Gann says “Singleton’s music is soulful, with an understated simplicity that I particularly prize. Despite the studied economy of his means and the set character of his images, the music is never cold … nor abstract. It glows with warmth.” Hosted by Seth BousteadProduced by Jesse McQuarters Alvin Singleton: Jasper Drag (excerpt) Ted … Continue reading #157 Alvin Singleton
One of the key pioneers in the incredibly influential minimalist movement, Terry Riley is a restless artist who has constantly sought to reinvent himself over his long career. We’ll start with the landmark piece In C and work our way through the numerous highlights of his musical output. Hosted by Seth BousteadProduced by Jesse McQuarters … Continue reading #151 Terry Riley at 80
An innovative collaboration with Warsaw composer Agnieszka Stulgińska in which a piece of music is publicly performed in installments as work on it progresses. We’ll hear Agnieszka’s thought process, play each installment, and sit alongside the composer as she hears the world premiere of the completed work. Hosted by Seth BousteadProduced by Jesse McQuarters … Continue reading #148 Composer Alive: Poland
Relevant Tones partners with the Santa Fe Opera to feature a sneak preview of Jennifer Higdon’s soon-to-be-premiered first opera, Cold Mountain, based on Charles Frazier’s best-selling novel. Hosted by Seth BousteadProduced by Jesse McQuarters Jennifer Higdon: String Poetic, III (excerpt) Jennifer Koh, v.; Reiko Uchida, p. Cedille 103 2:00 Jennifer Higdon: Cold Mountain (excerpts) “The … Continue reading #146 Jennifer Higdon: Cold Mountain
One of the leading composers of our time and an ardent promoter of new music throughout the world, Augusta Read Thomas is an artistic force to be reckoned with. Championed by Pierre Boulez in her early years and later named composer-in-residence with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Thomas rose early to the top of her … Continue reading #142 Augusta Read Thomas
Acclaimed micro-tonal composer Ben Johnston is justifiably famous for his rigorous work ethic, attention to detail and for constructing a sound world entirely his own. One of the few composers using just intonation who is also interested in writing rhythmic music, Johnston is a true original and we’re happy to shine the spotlight on this … Continue reading #139 Ben Johnston
Composer Robert Kritz spent many years working in the corporate world by day and busily composing music into the wee hours of the night. A decision several years ago to show some of his pieces to professional composers was the occasion of great excitement and led to a flurry of public performances and commissions. We’ll … Continue reading #134 Robert Kritz
Our popular series profiling emerging composers continues with Laura Elise Schwendinger, an artist whose strongly personal style of music is filled with kinetic energy and slow-burning intensity. Hosted by Seth BousteadProduced by Jesse McQuarters Laura Elise Schwendinger: High Wire Act, V & IV Brightmusic Centaur 3098 1:03, 2:11 Laura Elise Schwendinger: Chiaroscuro Azzurro for Violin … Continue reading #128 Laura Schwendinger
One of the first composers to graduate from the Beijing Conservatory upon its reopening after the Cultural Revolution and the winner of the 2011 Pulitzer Prize for his opera Madame White Snake, Zhou Long creates thoughtful, spiritually-infused music that has resonated with audiences across the globe. Hosted by Seth BousteadProduced by Jesse McQuarters Zhou Long: … Continue reading #124 Zhou Long