Contemporary Works II cover

Contemporary Works II

Klaus Schulze · 2002

424 min · 27 tracks · minimalist music

A sprawling tapestry of ambient textures and minimalistic motifs, inviting deep introspection through sonic exploration.

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Top tracks — play these first

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    The Theme: The Rhodes Elegy Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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    The Lonely Dead of Midnight — This track encapsulates the album's introspective themes, blending haunting melodies with textured soundscapes that evoke a sense of solitude.
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    Die Prophezeiung erfüllt sich — With its expansive duration, this piece highlights Schulze's mastery of gradual build-up, crafting an immersive auditory experience that pulls the listener into a deep emotional journey.
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    Follow Me Down, Follow Me Down — This track stands out for its intricate layering and rich sonic palette, showcasing Schulze's ability to weave together various musical threads into a cohesive whole.
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    Chinese Eyes — Bringing a fresh perspective with its unique rhythms and melodic contours, this piece exemplifies Schulze's innovative approach to blending cultural influences into his minimalist framework.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • meditative soundscape exploration
  • wave-like pacing for reflection
  • expansive journeys through sound
  • deep listening for introspection
  • late-night solitude and calm

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking instant gratification
  • prefer short, standalone tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Critical Peak — Showcases Schulze's ambition and depth in electronic music, solidifying his reputation.
Themes
sonic exploration· midnight solitude· cultural minimalism
Career context
By the time Klaus Schulze released Contemporary Works II in 2002, he had established himself as a pioneer of electronic music for over three decades. This album followed his acclaimed release, Kontinuum, and showcased his continued evolution in sound and composition, reflecting a mature artist comfortable with using extended compositions to explore complex emotional landscapes.
Stylistic neighbors
Tangerine Dream· Jean-Michel Jarre· Vangelis
New to Klaus Schulze? Find your way in →

Tracklist

Disc 1

  • 1 The Theme: The Rhodes Elegy Start here 1:04:58

Disc 2

  • 1 The Lonely Dead of Midnight 10:51
  • 2 They Shut Him Out of Paradise 41:44
  • 3 Die Prophezeiung erfüllt sich 23:15

Disc 3

  • 1 Between Twilight and Dawn 13:21
  • 2 In the Streets, in the Rain 4:34
  • 3 The Wisdom of the Leaves 12:27
  • 4 The Story Does Unfold 12:05
  • 5 Follow Me Down, Follow Me Down 28:46

Disc 4

  • 1 In the Dimness of Light 12:47
  • 2 Back to the Future 28:02
  • 3 There's No Mystery 4:37
  • 4 Don't Ask the Question Why 5:08
  • 5 The Passion Burns 4:22
  • 6 This House Full of Shadows 20:43

Disc 5

  • 1 Easy Listening 25:27
  • 2 And She is Kind and Gentle 12:01
  • 3 I Just Have to Sing My Hymns 20:04
  • 4 It Still is Now 2:17
  • 5 Blowin' Thru the High Grass 6:20
  • 6 Many Dreams Have Faded 1:30
  • 7 Many Fears Have Vanished 9:36
  • 8 As the Years Went By 2:07

Disc 6

  • 1 Chinese Eyes 13:19
  • 2 Chinese Ears 10:33
  • 3 High Noon 17:36
  • 4 My World Keeps Spinning Around 15:39

What to play next

Vanity of Sounds
Listen next

Vanity of Sounds

2005

Continues the ambient exploration with fresh textures and evolving soundscapes.
Contemporary Works I
Go back to

Contemporary Works I

2000

Sets the stage for the themes and styles explored in Contemporary Works II.
Full Klaus Schulze discography Where to start with Klaus Schulze Artists like Klaus Schulze
minimalist music

If this landed

Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.

Ambient 1: Music for Airports

Ambient 1: Music for Airports

Brian Eno

Explores similar ambient textures and minimalism, fostering introspective and tranquil listening experiences.

Structures from Silence

Structures from Silence

Steve Roach

Shares a deep sense of sonic exploration and emotional depth through expansive soundscapes and minimalist motifs.

Phaedra

Phaedra

Tangerine Dream

Combines atmospheric electronic textures with a focus on long-form compositions, evoking midnight solitude.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata