Nonclassical
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, i.e. not in keeping with standard classical music traditions.[1]
CD releases feature remixes of original contemporary classical recordings and urban sleeve designs; the club-nights are held in London pubs, rock venues and nightclubs, 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 fourteen 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), Mira Calix, DJ Spooky, Tim Exile, and Gabriel Prokofiev have done remixes for the label.
Nonclassical club nights
Nonclassical hosts regular live music nights (bi-annually from 2003; monthly since 2007), seeking to promote a new alternative classical music scene in London. The nights have been held at a number of East London venues, including Bloc (Hackney Wick), The Shacklewell Arms, Red Gallery, Cargo, the Horse and Groom, The Macbeth, XOYO, and Kings Place. Nonclassical DJs have also made guest appearances at numerous venues in London, including the Barbican, Southbank Centre, and Royal Academy of Music,
The events present live contemporary classical music in 'gig' or 'club' settings, alongside DJs playing a mixture of modern composition, electronic dance music, and various shades in between. Representative artists featured in DJ sets include Tansy Davies, Raymond Scott, Errorsmith, Stockhausen, Alarm Will Sound, Edgard Varèse. Artists hosted include solo pianists with homemade electronics, string quartets, wind trios, vocal octets, and many other configurations.
Starting in 2012, Nonclassical began hosting larger scale events at London's XOYO nightclub, alongside its monthly residency. These have featured high profile DJs and producers such as Juan Atkins, Nathan Fake, Optimo and Alex Smoke, and large live ensembles including a 52-piece string orchestra.
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 Matthias & 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' (May 2011)
Aisha Orazbayeva - 'Outside' (October 2011)
Gabriel Prokofiev + Peter Gregson - 'Cello Multitracks' (May 2012)
Nonclassical is distributed by Cargo Records.
References
Smith, S (19 March 2009). "Elysian Quartet Music Review", The New York Times
External links
- Nonclassical.co.uk
- Nonclassical on Facebook
- Club night review from Daily Telegraph
- Naxos, Elysian Quartet
- Guardian on classical music and opera: electronic music
- Times on line