Not Your Parents’ Classical Music: The Best of the 21st Century
Contents
A list of 21st century classical music that doesn’t suck, for people who don’t like the classical music their parents listen to.
Introduction
As the 21st century unfolds, classical music continues to enjoy a place in the hearts of music lovers around the world. While some purists may decry the modern interpretations of classical masterpieces, there is no denying that the genre has evolved in exciting new ways in recent years.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the best classical music of the 21st century, featuring works by both established and emerging composers. From neo-romantic symphonies to avant-garde operas, these pieces offer a thrilling glimpse into the future of classical music. So curl up with your favorite bottle of wine and enjoy!
The Best of the 21st Century
The 21st century has brought about a new sound in classical music. A more modern take on the classics, if you will. While some may say this new sound is a departure from the traditional, die-hard fans of classical music will argue that it is simply an evolution of the genre.
The Best Orchestral Works
The 21st century has been a golden age for the orchestral genre, with composers writing works that are both accessible and complex, drawing on both traditional and modern influences. Here are some of the best orchestral works of the 21st century.
-The Planets by Gustav Holst (1914)
-The Rite of Spring by Igor Stravinsky (1913)
-Pictures at an Exhibition by Modest Mussorgsky (1874)
-The Planets Suite by Gustav Holst (1914)
-The Firebird Suite by Igor Stravinsky (1910)
-Scheherazade by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov (1888)
The Best Chamber Works
There have been some incredible chamber works composed in the 21st century. Here are some of our favorites:
1. feasibility study II for string quartet (2001) by James Dillon
2. …but all shall be well (2008) by Judith Weir
3. Light Scattering (2010) by Anna Clyne
4. Trio for Violin, Cello, and Piano (2011) by Kate Whitley
5. The Fifth Season (2012) by George Crumb
The Best Solo Works
Eighth Blackbird – Filament
Eighth Blackbird is a sextet of virtuosi instrumentalists and vocalists who are committed to re-imagining the experience of live music. Their debut album, Filament, was released in 2006 to critical acclaim. It won the Grammy Award for Best Chamber Music Performance in 2007, and the album was named one of the best of the year by The New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Los Angeles Times, and The Guardian.
Nick Zammuto – Anchor
Anchor is the debut solo album by musician Nick Zammuto, released in 2012. The album draws from a wide range of influences, including post-rock, electronica, Krautrock, and minimalism. It was enthusiastically received by critics, with Pitchfork giving it a perfect “10.0” rating and calling it “a work of staggering ambition and accomplishment.”
The Best Vocal Works
While the 21st century has seen a plethora of amazing new classical music written for instruments, it has also seen a wealth of incredible new vocal works. Here are 10 examples of the best vocal works written so far this century.
1. Missy Mazzoli: “Songs from the Uproar” (2012)
Mazzoli’s “Songs from the Uproar” is a beautifully haunting cycle of songs based on the letters and journals of Isabelle Eberhardt, a Swiss explorer who died in Algeria in 1904. The work is written for mezzo-soprano and guitar, and its ethereal yet accessible sound has made it one of the most popular contemporary vocal works in recent years.
2. Kaija Saariaho: “L’amour de loin” (2000)
Saariaho’s first opera, “L’amour de loin,” is based on the life of 12th-century troubadour Jaufre Rudel. The work is noted for its use of electronics, which are used to create an otherworldly soundscape that amplifies the opera’s mystical subject matter. The result is an utterly unique and deeply moving work that represents some of the best of what contemporary opera has to offer.
3. John Adams: “On the Transmigration of Souls” (2002)
Adams’ Pulitzer Prize-winning work was written in response to the 9/11 attacks, and it remains one of the most powerful musical statements about that tragic event. The work is scored for chorus, orchestra, and pre-recorded voices reading from the names of those who perished in the attacks, and it culminates in a searingly beautiful setting of text from Laurence Binyon’s poem “For the Fallen.” This is a must-hear work for anyone interested in contemporary choral music.
4. Jennifer Higdon: “Cold Mountain” (2005)
Higdon’s Pulitzer Prize-winning opera is based on Charles Frazier’s historical novel set during the Civil War. The work features a beautiful score that masterfully captures both the rugged beauty of the Appalachian landscape and the brutal realities of war. Higdon’s operatic debut remains one of her finest achievements to date.
5. Jake Heggie: “Dead Man Walking” (2000)
Heggie’s operatic adaptation of Sister Helen Prejean’s book about her experiences working with death row inmates remains one of his most popular works to date. The opera features a score that skillfully blends elements of blues, gospel, folk, and classical music to create a deeply moving musical experience. It also includes some incredibly powerful moments thatwill stay with you long after you’ve heard it.
The Future of Classical Music
Although some say classical music is a thing of the past, the 21st century has seen a resurgence in popularity for the genre. Thanks to the internet, people of all ages can discover classical music from all over the world. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best classical music of the 21st century.
The Future of Orchestral Music
The Future of Orchestral Music
The Future of Chamber Music
The future of classical music lies in the hands of a new generation of chamber musicians. These young performers are reinvigorating the art form, bringing energy and excitement to traditional repertoire while also expanding the repertoire with new works.
The new generation of chamber musicians is committed to making classical music relevant to today’s audiences. They are breaking down barriers between performer and audience, creating immersive experiences that engage all the senses. And they are using technology to reach new audiences around the world.
The future of classical music is in good hands with these gifted and visionary performers. They are ensuring that chamber music will continue to thrive for many years to come.
The Future of Solo Music
There is a continued need for solo performers in the classical music world, as they are able to connect with audiences in a special way and help to create a more personal experience. However, the way that audiences consume music has changed dramatically in recent years, and classical music must adapt in order to remain relevant.
One way that classical music is evolving is through the use of new technology. Many orchestras now offer livestreams of their performances, which allow people from all over the world to experience the music without having to travel to the concert hall. Additionally, there are now many apps and websites that offer classical music streaming, which makes it easier than ever to access this type of music.
Another way that classical music is changing is through the use of non-traditional instruments. In the past, classical music was primarily performed on acoustic instruments, but now there are more and more orchestras that are incorporating electronic instruments into their repertoire. This allows for a wider range of sounds and possibilities for new compositions.
It is clear that the future of classical music will be vastly different from what it has been in the past. However, it is also clear that there is still a place for this type of music in the world. As long as it continues to adapt and evolve, it will remain an important part of our culture.
The Future of Vocal Music
In the 21st century, vocal music has taken on a new form with the rise of popular music genres such as Rap and Hip-Hop. This change in taste has opened up opportunities for new artists to emerge and for established artists to experiment with different sounds. While this has been a controversial topic in the world of classical music, it has also led to some incredibly innovative and exciting new work.
One of the most prominent examples of this is Kanye West’s “Ultralight Beam,” which features a choir singing spirituals over a sample of a Sermon by Pastor T.L. Barrett. This track is just one example of how classical music can be used in unexpected and innovative ways.
As the world of music continues to change, it will be interesting to see how classical music evolves along with it. While some traditionalists may resist these changes, there is no doubt that the genre is evolving and growing in exciting new directions.
