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

The Players

The Ideal Setback

(neoclassical, cinematic, ambient)

The Ideal Setback is the solo music project of composer Todd Chappell. Originally from Memphis, TN , The Ideal Setback began in 2008 with a focus on ambient/electronic compositions. As time went on, the music developed more orchestral aspects, finally transitioning fully into the classical-crossover genre with the previous EP released in early 2020, “Anchor”. “Nodus Tollens” is the direct follow up to “Anchor”, encompassing and elaborating on the sound, emotion, and tone. This album is a collection of compositions created around the current state of the world, meant for both reflection and escapism.

Minismus

(epic, orchestral, cinematic)

Minismus is a creator of epic orchestral soundscapes designed for film and tv placements but that could serve on their own as masterpieces in the classical genre. Pulling from the styles of Max Richter, Johann Johannsonn, Philip Glass, Nils Frahm and Olafur Arnalds, Minismus carefully constructs strings, brass, woodwinds and felt piano into memorable works of art. Minismus’ debut album ‘FILM’ was released June 21, 2019 on all digital platforms. Minismus creates exclusively for the new independent label Kwai Music, which focuses on post-minimalistic forms of music in orchestral, ambient and downtempo genres.

Andrea Sertori

(modern classical, cinematic)

Andrea Sertori is an Italian pianist and composer of instrumental music. He started his first classical piano studies when he was 9 years old and his first keyboard experiences when he was 15. He had the opportunity to play in different rock bands and at the same time to continue studying piano in order to improve his piano technique and sensitivity as much as possible. Beyond the piano he has the great passion of synthesizers. The study of synthesizers allowed him to learn how to combine classical piano music with electronic music. His first solo work was ‘Mosaic Room’ (2017), a 5 track EP where piano and synthesizers overlap. From this moment on, in succession, he released a series of tracks that are characterized by a fusion between neo-classical and electronic music.

Starr Parodi

(neoclassical)

“Surely no one could coax more passionate feelings and rainbow colors out of the instrument.” writes Oxford Press author Mark Vail of iconic pianist, composer & Steinway artist, Starr Parodi. He goes on to say “Parodi’s pianistic sense and delivery go way beyond creative. Words that come to mind while listening include imaginative, courageous, dynamic, passionate, gutsy, pensive, restrained, and euphoric. I’m thoroughly entranced by the whole experience.”

Starr is a vibrant member of the Los Angeles composing community, as well as being a passionate and innovative solo artist, pianist and producer whose work has been featured on NPR, The BBC, KCRW and iHEART Radio. Her album Common Places won “Record of the Year” from Solo Piano Radio and was lauded by KCRW host Chris Douridas “This deeply passionate and beautiful recording is one of the best albums of the year.”

Her neoclassical release, The Heart Of Frida, which celebrates the life, art and courageous spirit of beloved artist Frida Kahlo, won awards for Solo Piano Album of the Year from both International Radio Broadcasters, and solopiano.com. A trailblazer onstage and in the studio, Starr is the President of the Alliance for Women Film Composers and is widely recognized as a leader in expanding the reach of women in the arts as a composer, producer, performer and cultural visionary. www.starrparodi.com

Tristan Eckerson

(neoclassical)

Tristan Eckerson is a Pianist, Composer, and Producer from Cincinnati, Ohio. In the past four years Tristan has released five full length albums and more than an album’s worth of singles, both independently and with 1631 Recordings (Nils Frahm, Dustin O’Halloran, Hauschka), A Remarkable Idea (Bloc Party, Benoît Pioulard, Maxïmo Park, Robot Koch), Mellotron Records, 7K! Records, and Sonder House. He has toured through North America and Europe and has composed music for award winning commercials, short films, and web series. His music has received multiple sync placements in television and has been streamed over twenty five million times worldwide.

Having graduated from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, California with a Master’s degree in Music Production and Sound Design for Visual Media, Tristan handles all aspects of the production of his music independently- from writing, recording, mixing, and mastering through to artwork and cover art design. Releasing compositions for solo piano on an almost monthly basis for the past few years, in May of 2020 Tristan also began an ambient project under the moniker of Purple Decades. With a tireless work ethic and inextinguishable artistic curiosity, you can expect much more new music from Tristan in the near future.

Pierre Oberkampf

(neoclassical, waltz)

Pierre Oberkampf is a French pianist, composer & sound designer. Poly-instrumentalist, he has composed the soundtrack of more than thirty short films, including that of “Chulyen”, directed by Cerise Lopez and Agnès Patron, selected at César 2016 in France. In 2017, he signed the original soundtrack for the short film “Breathless” (A perdre haleine) directed by Léa Krawczyk, selected at the Cinéfondation of the 70th Cannes Film Festival. In 2018 he won the prize for the best original soundtrack at the medium-length film festival in Valencia (Spain) for the film “The man-woman case” directed by Anaïs Caura. He collaborates for the fourth time with the director Agnès Patron for “And then the Bear” (L’heure de l’Ours), in official selection at the 72nd Cannes Film Festival and at TIFF (Toronto). In 2020, he receives the Best Original Score Award and the Cinezik Award at Aubagne International Film Festival.

Maria Grönlund

(neoclassical, piano solo)

Playing the piano is how I relax, sort my thoughts, console myself, have fun and celebrate the beauty of life. I’m a pianist and neoclassical composer from Stockholm, Sweden.

My influences are Òlafur Arnalds, Nils Frahm, Joep Beving and Poppy Ackroyd as well as Claude Debussy, Maurice Ravel and a dash of Swedish folk music.

The Music

Christos Doukakis