Neoclassical Suite, LXXVII

Neoclassical Suite is a column that will present 7 recent, distinctive tracks of the neoclassical-modern classical-contemporary -and beyond!- music field. 

Note: All Bio/about sections provided/written by the artists.

The Players

Klaus Sahm

(neoclassical, solo piano)

A contemplative solo piano piece by German Klaus Sahm, and his most personal to date… A composition about loss in its every form… Let it all out! Unimaginable beauty…

“Klaus Sahm has been working as a musical director and songwriter collaborating with other artists for years but never released any music by himself – until now.

His first Single “Isolement”, an immersive and slow 9-min impression of how he sounds when no one is around, was released in 2020.

It was recorded at night, it is improvised, it captures the moment of thoughts transforming into music.

“maybe this piece of music can calm you down, help you fall asleep, make you feel less anxious in difficult times or do anything you’d expect music to do. because that’s why i listen to music – it moves me”

The piece „Dépaysement“, which follows the French saying to „feel like a fish out of water“ has been released in June.

„Finalement“ is the latest of three Songs, that connect in terms of sound and visuals.

“Sakna” is the only release for 2021 – out now.” (Klaus Sahm)

GéNIA

(neoclassical, spoken word)

An astonishing neoclassical composition with whispery spoken word and neoclassical handsomeness, by forward-thinking, musician & composer GéNIA…

“Described by The Times as “an outstanding musician”, an enigma of the music world, Russian-born concert pianist turned composer-yogi, GéNIA, enjoyed success with her compositions alongside several sold-out London shows, whilst her music enjoyed placements in the critically acclaimed BBC America TV Series ‘Killing Eve” (starring Sandra Oh) and well-known British ITV Series ’Cold Feet”.

GéNIA’s music compositions can be heard on Classic FM, Scala Radio, BBC Radio 2, BBC Radio 3, BBC London Radio 94.9, BBC World Service. London News TV Channel, Talk Radio, BBC Wales Radio, to name just a few, as well as Caffé Nero branches worldwide (as GéNIA is Caffé Nero’s featured classical artist) and also in various TV series.

Described by Gramophone magazine as “a charismatic pianist”, GéNIA is known for her enthralling stage presence. She comes from a distinguished line of Russian pianists and was taught by her great-grandmother, the renowned pedagogue Regina Horowitz, the sister of pianist Vladimir Horowitz. GéNIA made her London debut a in the Park Lane Group Young Artist Series, which was followed by concert tours in the UK, Europe and USA. London venues include Wigmore Hall, Barbican, Southbank Centre, Olympia, Kings Place, St. John’s Smith Square and St. Martin in the Fields.

As a performing artist GéNIA made a controversial and pioneering move away from the classical concert platform for a number of years. As an innovative composer and performer who crossed over into the world of pop music, she has collaborated with an eclectic range of artists, producers and composers including Gabriel Prokofiev, Howard Skempton, the Brodsky Quartet, Andy Sheppard, Jason Yarde, multi-Grammy nominated record producer Chris Craker, the double BAFTA award winner and six-time Emmy nominee sound engineer Nigel Heath, as well as dance producers Germ, Vex’d and Kreepa.

Breaking classical music traditions, GéNIA’s concerts often take the form of a show, rather than a classical concert, as she loves to connect with her audience, making the experience very personal to them.

She is also a founder of Piano-Yoga®, a groundbreaking piano method which was described as ‘Th 21 century answer to playing the piano’ by Yoga & Health Magazine and featured in many publications.“ (GéNIA)

Arash Behzadi

(neoclassical, cinematic)

A highly cinematic, neoclassical composition, with impeccable flow, which could be more than ideal for an drama/romance flick at its sharpest peak! 

“Inspiration, hope, joy and comfort. Mystery, alienation and longing. The gamut of human emotions is explored in Arash Behzadi’s vibrant piano compositions, an instrument he describes as an allegory for life itself in its wide tonal range of expression.

Arash is an exciting new international talent – a Canadian/Persian New Age pianist/composer with a global following. His concerts have captivated audiences worldwide in an eclectic range of venues from Bali to New York, Dubai to Istanbul, Naples Italy to Moscow and Geneva to Toronto.

His dynamic improvisational technique was first showcased in his debut album, With Closed Eyes, with its dreamy sense of mysterious yearning, intricate and exciting, yet calming and freeing.

Passionate love, personal loss, prescient dreams and healing journeys are all central to the powerful musical narratives in his second album, Elsewhere.

Soul to Soul, his latest release, reflects upon the human condition during these times of unprecedented global upheaval, delivering lengthy contemplative pieces in which listeners can seek solace as they ponder the ambiguities of life’s unknowns.

Arash’s musical path is one that introduces fresh interpretations of minimalist music yet is rich with evocative visual metaphors incorporating the interplay of dance, theatrical performance, film and animation.

“The piano mirrors existence in all its complexities from moments of profound sadness and loss to exhilaration and new beginnings,” he says.” (Arash Behzadi)

Raynald Grenier

(neoclassical, epic music, symphonic)

(modern classical, experimental electronic)

‘Onomatopoeia’ is the title track from REW<<‘s recently released, 2nd album, a transcendent, modern classical & experimental electronic blend…. A miniature one cannot resist!

“REW<< is the solo moniker of Ryan E. Weber. He originally hails from the snowy western shores of Lake Michigan, but these days can occasionally be found roaming subterranean tunnels under the American Capital. REW<< has itself been the vehicle for a number of styles and sounds, with visions experimental and ambitious. His first full length, Departeures, recorded in a series of hotel rooms and train cars across much of Africa and Asia, offered a subtropical and reflective slice of dream pop, while 2015’s Olive Skinned, Silver Tongued Sirens Sing Swan Songs pushed into neo-classical territory. Still, the latter employed pop sensibilities to counter the classical vibe, making for a record that blurred the distinction between avant garde experimentalism and accessible pop. Newer works demonstrate another direction for REW<<‘s sound, with Weber shedding the pop aspects in favour of a pure neo-classical aesthetic. Centring the piano as the driving force and dropping much of the dressing in favour of stark emotion.” (REW<<)

VO

(neoclassical, cinematic, ambient)

‘June 17th’ is an evocative, cinematic, neoclassical composition with intense, spacious ambience, by the Belgian, newborn project VO… More addictive than Belgian chocolate!

“VO is a new project born in 2020 during Lockdown with the intention of creating music that stimulate imagery, memories and feelings.” (VO)

Lucas Laufen

(neoclassical, new age)

A captivating neoclassical/new age amalgam by Australian Lucas Laufen, ideal for chilling and meditation…

“Lucas Laufen’s music can be linked to a form of therapy. His delicate brand of folk effortlessly relieves the listener of any stress, grief or sorrow. Sombre falsetto melodies married to shimmering guitars within elemental orchestrations that yearn and plunge, endow us to stop, breathe and escape the daily noise.

Growing up in the small ex-fishing town of Port Lincoln, Australia, Lucas was a passionate pianist at the age of eight and an ardent trumpet player at ten. It was not until his teens that he discovered the acoustic guitar and began fostering a deep and unique passion for songwriting.” (Lucas Laufen)

The Music

Christos Doukakis