John Cage – Relevant Tones

#312 Useless Machines

Posted on October 18, 2021October 18, 2021 by Seth Boustead in Live Shows, Themed Shows

The opening night of the Relevant Tones Tenth Anniversary Festival featured an exciting multi-media concert of music inspired by Rube Goldberg machines. We were joined by Rube's granddaughter Jennifer George who is also the director of the Rube Goldberg Institute, and an all-star roster of musicians for an unforgettable evening. MUSIC Rube G. by Frank … Continue reading #312 Useless Machines →

#74 Phyllis Chen

Posted on October 12, 2013May 23, 2019 by Seth Boustead in Performer Features

This week we’ll talk with pianist, toy pianist and composer Phyllis Chen, who is celebrating the release of her third album, Little Things. Hosted by Seth BousteadProduced by Jesse McQuarters Stephen Montague: Mirabella a Tarentella for Toy Piano John Cage: Suite for Toy Piano, II Phyllis Chen: Cobwebbed Carousel Angelica Nagron: The Little Things Fabian Svensson: Toy … Continue reading #74 Phyllis Chen →

#65 Stravinsky and Schoenberg: 100 Years Part III

Posted on August 10, 2013May 23, 2019 by Seth Boustead in Themed Shows

In our final exploration of the past 100 years of musical modernism, we take a look at composers who fit in neither the uptown nor the downtown traditions of composition. Hosted by Seth BousteadProduced by Jesse McQuarters Aaron Copland – Connotations Igor Stravinsky – In memoriam Dylan Thomas Elliott Carter – Cello Sonata George Rochberg – … Continue reading #65 Stravinsky and Schoenberg: 100 Years Part III →

#28 Fall Season Preview

Posted on September 15, 2012May 24, 2019 by Seth Boustead in Themed Shows

Seth previews some of the fantastic upcoming performances from Chicago new music groups, including CUBE, Access Contemporary Music, Dal Niente, and more. Hosted by Seth BousteadProduced by Jesse McQuarters Chinary Ung: Laughter Passes Over the Earth & Flying Mirrors fr. Seven Mirrors – Ensemble Dal NienteSebastian Currier: Ethereal & Charged from StaticAccess Contemporary MusicJimmy López: Avec … Continue reading #28 Fall Season Preview →

#27 John Cage Centennial

Posted on September 1, 2012May 24, 2019 by Seth Boustead in Composer Features

In anticipation of John Cage’s 100th Birthday, Relevant Tones examines his life and music. Two members of Chicago-based ensemble Third Coast Percussion, Robert Dillon and David Skidmore, join us in the studio to share anecdotes about their experiences playing Cage’s works. Hosted by Seth BousteadProduced by Jesse McQuarters

#13 Speedy Delivery

Posted on May 12, 2012May 24, 2019 by Seth Boustead in Themed Shows

This week we dive into our mailbag to listen to some recent new music releases sent to Relevant Tones. Hosted by Seth BousteadProduced by Jesse McQuarters Sunbin Kim: Whirlwind, Palisades VirtuosiJames MacMillan: Seraph, I BBC Scottish Symphony OrchestraJason Wright Wingate: Symphony No. 2Movement of the Vaulted ChambersThe Twittering MachineHermitage Orchestra de l’invisible/Wingateabout Jason Wright WingateMichael Nyman: Songs … Continue reading #13 Speedy Delivery →

#2 Modern Piano

Posted on November 25, 2011May 24, 2019 by Seth Boustead in Themed Shows

Most pianos have 88 keys, but the notes that they produce are just the beginning of the sonic possibilities available to the keyboardist. This week we’ll listen to how boundary-shattering composers from John Cage to Conlon Nancarrow unlocked and exploited keyboard instruments’ aural potential. Hosted by Seth BousteadProduced by Jesse McQuarters Playlist ◦ Cage: The … Continue reading #2 Modern Piano →