contemporary classical music

[susanwen]

I have not found much contemporary classical music that entralls me. Any recommendations?

[Roehre]

I have not found much contemporary classical music that entralls me. Any recommendations?

What means "contemporary" for you, 20/21C in general, post 1945, post 1990?
Or music in terms of high and late romanticism, expressionism, dodecaphony, serialism, 1960s-avant-garde, neo-classicism, neo-romanticism, minimalism, eastern-european simplicism, post-modernism, traditionalists?

[Peter]

This previous thread on the subject should be helpful:

http://www.gyrix.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3667

[Roehre]

This previous thread on the subject should be helpful:

http://www.gyrix.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3667

Thanks for reminding me, Peter, I had completely forgotten that one

[susanwen]

What means "contemporary" for you, 20/21C in general, post 1945, post 1990?
Or music in terms of high and late romanticism, expressionism, dodecaphony, serialism, 1960s-avant-garde, neo-classicism, neo-romanticism, minimalism, eastern-european simplicism, post-modernism, traditionalists?

That is a reasonable question, and I'll give you an odd answer: I am looking for a composer who is still composing today. I'd like to follow his works, eagerly awaiting each new delight.

[Preston]

Susan, I think we share a similar issue. I have not been fortunate in being enthralled by a "contemporary classical musician". This bothers me. If you find a composer you truly enjoy please mention.

Also, I do believe that a composer named Jeremy Soule, who is a very capable composer, and very serious musician, etc. should be classified as a "contemporary classical musician". As I believe, Howard Shore, Hans Zimmer, etc. Jeremy Soule has written works of astounding beauty. The links below are several pieces of his. He is very into classical, also - so why should/would he not be a contemporary classical musician alludes me - though, I do not think that he would prefer to be called such?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BrWlF0FpAm0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xz8uG0Av4KE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FBuxs6oxZ4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-q10zfMcpM

Susan, I would be curious to know if you enjoyed any of the above?

All the best.

[susanwen]

I do like these! I especially liked "Sunrise of Flutes." Thanks!

[Preston]

Susan, your post fills me with feelings of gladness. I was beginning to think very few members of BRS cared the slightest for his music – so, it is good to know there are a few others. The piece “Sunrise of Flutes” comes from his Oblivion score – which can be purchased along with his other music from his music-website Directsong. Directsong is primarily a classical music website that he and his brother, Julian, started.

From the "About" webpage:

About Direct Song:

DirectSong was created and founded by two brothers and British Academy Award winning composers Jeremy Soule and Julian Soule. Their work has contributed to various well-known entertainment properties such as Harry Potter and Star Wars. In the video games industry, they have created a Classical music revolution with young people by introducing symphonic music in today's highest selling video games. To date, their music has contributed to over 50 million unit sales and nearly $2 billion at retail.

Both brothers believe that Classical music is foundational to a healthy society and have worked hard to expand the knowledge and exposure of the Great Composers to today's youth. A percentage of the proceeds from this site are donated to various music educational and charitable foundations.

Whether you are a teacher, aspiring musician or a musical professional, you can enhance your knowledge of music today by simply visiting this site and exploring our various samples. We offer more than double the traditional sample lengths and our samples are at full-fidelity. We encourage you to discover, learn and edify your life with the sheer beauty of the masterpieces contained within these pages.

It is all too often that Classical music is overlooked. Don't let this happen to you! Learn what great minds have known and have enjoyed for ages--the beauty of The World's Greatest Music.

Sincerely,
The DirectSong Team

www.directsong.com

His latest, and, imo, perhaps greatest score, is his Skyrim score. Very mellow, lush, sustained, atmospheric, etc. music, well for a large part - 95% probably is orchestral.

I will be back with a few more pieces, of his music at somepoint, .

As a side note - I ordered a copy of his Skyrim score on which spans 4 cd's - the thing is they are signed by Jeremy Soule himself! I am planning on getting it framed, and shortly.