Neo-Classical

Neo-classical on vinyl: strings, piano and silence

In short: Under neo-classical we bring together contemporary music with classical instruments and forms – piano, strings, choir –, often calm and minimalist, frequently combined with electronics. This is distinct from the historical neoclassicism of the 1920s around Stravinsky. The Vinyl Room currently has 23 neo-classical records.

What is neo-classical?

Few notes, much feeling: Jóhann Jóhannsson is represented with “Drone Mass”, recorded with the ensemble ACME and the choir Theatre Of Voices. Nils Frahm plays between piano and electronics on “Encores 2”.

Björk presented a string version of her album with “Vulnicura Strings”, Jónsi and Alex Somers created “Riceboy Sleeps”, and Balmorhea from Texas “The Wind”. Under this label we also have Keith Jarrett’s orchestral work “The Celestial Hawk”.

What to look for

Some of these records come out in several editions; label, catalogue number and year of release help you tell which edition you have – it’s noted with each copy.

From our stock

First pressings

New in

→ Jóhann Jóhannsson · Balmorhea · Modern classical · Classical on vinyl · How to spot a first pressing · Grading explained

FAQ

What is neo-classical? Contemporary music with classical instruments and forms, often minimalist and combined with electronics.

Is it the same as neoclassicism? Not in the strict sense – here we mean contemporary music; the historical neoclassicism of the 1920s around Stravinsky is a different thing.

What is the difference from modern classical? The boundaries are fluid; in our shop both labels cover new works made with classical instruments and techniques.

Who stands for neo-classical? Here, among others, Jóhann Jóhannsson, Nils Frahm and Balmorhea.