At Mixcloud, we champion all genres, old and new. Each is given a space to form, grow and ultimately thrive. From Rock and Soul to Outlaw Country and Ambient Drum & Bass. One sound that has always stood the test of time – and found a home on our platform – is Classical music.
It goes back as far as the ninth century and has wowed audiences across the world, from then until now. Some of music’s greatest minds belong to the Classical arena: Mozart, Beethoven, Tchaikovsky and countless others. They’ve guided the course of Western music and wowed audiences for centuries. All while also influencing Classical’s route across other parts of the world.
This month just so happens to be Classical Music Month, an acknowledgement of everything it has given. To celebrate, we searched our platform for our favorite Classical mixes for your listening pleasure.
Low Light Mixes – The Moon Plays The Ocean Like A Violin
Lowlight is a Mixcloud favorite. The DJ from Cederburg, USA, has been blending the worlds of Ambient and Chillout with ease over the last few years. His take on Classical in this mix, inspired by Max Richter’s epic 2015 album Sleep, fits right in with his general aesthetic, taking you into one or two dream states along the way.
Barbican Centre – Sound Unbound With Steve Reich
The Barbican Centre, located in London, is one of the UK’s most celebrated cultural venues. It is home to live music, theater and arts performances 365 days a year. Back in 2020, it brought its ‘Sound Unbound’ podcast series to Mixcloud, interviewing creative minds about the music that moves them. In the first episode, Josie Long speaks to Steve Reich, a pioneer of minimalism in music whose legacy goes as far back as the 1960s. Reich talks about the impact of Classical giant Igor Stravinsky on his career.
Red Bull Radio – Fireside Chat: Max Richter
We mentioned the importance of Max Richter on Lowlight earlier. But Red Bull Radio brought the man himself on an episode of its ‘Fireside Chat’ series from 2019. Known as one of the most prolific artists working in contemporary Classical music – he’s released dozens of albums! – Richter discusses his career, training in Italy, his take on minimalism and more. This episode also features Richter’s music throughout.
Contemporary Classical Music – Ethereal Ambient Music Mix: Newage Classical
Coming out of New York City, Contemporary Classic Music shines a light on what’s going on in the Classical of now. In this ‘Ethereal Ambient Music Mix,’ the orchestral tones are given a celestial weight, taking you to the heavens and back with pure bliss and amazing color. Press play if you’re in the mood for rest and relaxation.
Allan Stephenson – BACK TO BACH: Vol 16 Toccata
We at Mixcloud appreciate some great wordplay. So we had to include Allan Stephenson’s brilliantly-named ‘BACK TO BACH’ series. It is inspired by one of Classical music’s greatest sons, Johann Sebastian Bach. London-based Stephenson brings together the best of Bach, a pioneer of the Baroque era of Classical during the 18th century, reimagined by a new generation of composers and instrumentalists.
Crack Magazine – The Intersection Of Ensemble And Electronic Music: Mixed By Manachester Camarata
One of the UK’s leading chamber orchestras, Manchester Camerata, joined Crack Magazine in 2023 for a special mix. Exploring how ensemble and electronic music interacts and sometimes combines, the orchestra goes in every direction possible, from the raucous to the serene. Featuring the likes of Tirzah, Space Africa and Speakers Corner Quartet and mixed by the Camerata, its an educational adventure that is well worth a listen.
Trippin – Maral: Iranian Classical Music
An editorial platform for all things travel, Trippin shines a light on every corner, city and district in the world. They’re also great curators, as typified by this look through Iranian Classical music, courtesy of producer Maral. A mix to celebrate Nowruz, also known as the Iranian or Persian new year, Maral’s mix is rich, warm and full of melody. “Iranian classical music is vast and varied,” she said of the mix. “For this mix I focused on the sounds that are personal to me, from starting the mix with a voice memo from my aunt in Iran wishing me a happy spring and new year to delving into recordings from masters of my personal favorite Iranian classical instruments: the setar and ney. As well as the powerful vocals of Hayedeh and other masters of Avaz.”
Adam Kvasnica – Czech Modern Classical Music Vol. 2
DJ, lawyer and vinyl collector Adam Kvasnica has over 110k Mixcloud followers and decided to put them all onto the wonders of Classical music from the Czech Republic. Straight from his record collection. Containing music strictly from Czech composers, it has a feel that takes us back to the days of Hadyn, Wagner and Prokofiev to name a few legends. Describing the mix, Kvasnica said: “The Czech modern classical composers need far more attention than they’re getting and I want to show you a perfect example of why.”