- Nonclassical
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Nonclassical is an independent record label and club-night founded in 2003 by the composer Gabriel Prokofiev, grandson of Sergei Prokofiev.
The name 'Nonclassical' is derived from the label's approach to classical music. Although the label releases contemporary classical music and the club night hosts live classical performances, they are presented in a 'non' classical way, not in keeping with standard classical music traditions.[1]
CD releases feature 'remixes' of original contemporary classical recordings and gritty urban sleeve designs; the club-nights are held in London pubs, live-rock venues and night-clubs, with DJs playing in between live acts.
As well as being fuelled by a desire to reach new audiences, this alternative approach is significantly informed by G Prokofiev's previous experiences playing in punk-funk bands,[2] putting on live gigs and releasing dance 12"s; along with the indie-rock roots of Nonclassical label manager David Halliwell (ex-manager of The Verve and Beta Band).
The label has released ten albums to date, each following a concept of recording new, contemporary classical music and then inviting a selection of musicians and producers from various genres to remix it. Artists such as Thom Yorke (Radiohead), Hot Chip, Vex'd, Max de Wardener, Simon Tong (Gorillaz and The Verve), KREEPA, Dominic Murcott, John Maclean (The Beta Band & The Aliens) and Gabriel Prokofiev have done remixes for the label.
Most recently, the label has announced new releases for Spring 2011 by leading female composer Tansy Davies and by the Juice Vocal Ensemble, as well as a second appearance at the SXSW Festival and a residency at London's Spitalfields Music Festival.
Contents
Releases
The Elysian Quartet - 'Gabriel Prokofiev String Quartet No.1' (Aug 2004)
GeNIA - 'John Richards Suite for Piano & Electronics' (Nov 2006)
The Elysian Quartet - 'Gabriel Prokofiev String Quartet No.2' (July 2007)
John Mathias & Nick Ryan - 'Cortical Songs' (July 2008)
The Heritage Orchestra feat. DJ Yoda - 'G Prokofiev Concerto for Turntables & Orchestra' (Nov 2009)
Gabriel Prokofiev - Piano Book no. 1, performed by GeNIA (2010)
Powerplant - G Prokofiev Import/Export: Suite For Global Junk (2010)
The Mercury Quartet - Mercury Acoustic (2010)
Consortium5 - Tangled Pipes (Feb 2011)
Nonclassical: Remixes & Originals Vol. 1 (March 2011)
Tansy Davies: Troubairitz (April 2011)
Juice Vocal Ensemble - Songspin
Nonclassical is distributed by Select in the UK and Naxos in the United States.
Nonclassical club nights
Nonclassical also hosts regular club nights (bi-annually from 2003; monthly since 2007), seeking to promote a new alternative classical music scene in London. These present contemporary classical music in informal and unexpected situations alongside DJs playing various remixes from the Nonclassical catalogue, as well as a diverse spectrum of music including Tansy Davies, Raymond Scott, Errorsmith, Stockhausen, Alarm Will Sound and Varèse. The events have hosted artists that range from solo pianists with homemade electronics, to String Quartet, Wind Trios, Vocal Octets, and others.
References
Smith, S (19 March 2009). "Elysian Quartet Music Review", The New York Times
External links
Categories:- Contemporary classical music
- Electronica
- Live music
- Record labels established in 2003
- British Independent Record Labels
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