Where to Start with contemporary classical music
post-1945 period in classical music
274 artists
New to contemporary classical music? Read our getting-started guide
Start here
The Stranger
Billy Joel · 1977
Best contemporary classical music Albums to Start With
contemporary classical music Artists
Billy Joel
pop rock, rock and roll
John Williams
Kate Miller-Heidke
Jerry Goldsmith
classical music
Lauri Porra
classical music, film score
Edward W. Hardy
Romantic music, classical music
Bear McCreary
ambient music, chiptune
Nils Frahm
ambient music, classical music
Terry Riley
Stars of the Lid
ambient music, drone music
Nico Muhly
minimalist music, opera
Wojciech Kilar
classical music, liturgical music
David Hykes
Arvo Pärt
minimalist music, religious music
Józef Skrzek
Zoë Keating
About contemporary classical music
What is contemporary classical music?
post-1945 period in classical music
Where should I start with contemporary classical music?
Start with "The Stranger" by Billy Joel. It captures what makes contemporary classical music worth exploring.
What are the best contemporary classical music albums?
The contemporary classical music albums worth hearing first: "The Stranger" by Billy Joel, "Greatest Hits Volume III" by Billy Joel, "An Innocent Man" by Billy Joel, "Greatest Hits – Volume I & Volume II" by Billy Joel and "Turnstiles" by Billy Joel.
How many contemporary classical music artists are there?
northsound.fm covers 274 contemporary classical music artists, each with a recommended starting album and listening path.