Within the broad movement of new-age music, neoclassical new-age music is influenced by and sometimes also based upon baroque or classical music, especially in terms of melody and composition.[1] The artist may offer a modern arrangement of a work by an established composer or combine elements from classical styles with modern elements[vague] to produce original compositions. Many artists within this subgenre are classically trained musicians. Although there is a wide variety of individual styles, neoclassical new-age music is generally melodic, harmonic, and instrumental, using both traditional musical instruments as well as electronic instruments.[citation needed]
Characteristics
Neoclassical new-age music takes a lot of its inspiration from baroque/classical music for its style.[2] Music of this genre is primarily instrumental and heavily takes elements from classical music while drawing on religious traditions from around the world to give it more of a "mystical" vibe to the music.[citation needed] Neoclassical new-age music has also been characterized by its smooth and romantic sound.[citation needed]
Neoclassical new-age music composer Chris Field has created neoclassical music for many movie trailers for years.[3] Some of these movie trailers including The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone, and Alice in Wonderland.[4] Fields has also won the best neoclassical album of 2006 for his album Sub-Conscious.[5]
Mannheim Steamroller is a neoclassical band that has been very successful. They have sold over 41 million albums and produced a Christmas album that went on to sell 5 million copies.[6] Mannheim Steamroller has received 19 gold, 8 platinum and 4 multi-platinum from the RIAA.[7]
