The impact of classical music on modern music
The impact of classical music on modern music
We often think of classical music and modern music as two very separate genres, but the influence that classical music has had on the latest pop tunes can’t be ignored. Its evolution always followed what was happening in the world at the time, in the same way as to how music continues to change over time. Many of today’s musical artists have been inspired by what composers such as Bach and Mozart did centuries ago.
In fact, some of the things that you might like about the latest popular song on the radio come from classical music. The idea of introducing a chorus, for example, was first thought during the age of Classical music. And even if it might seem hard to believe, rock music has a lot of similarities with the intensity and complexity of classical pieces from the Baroque period. Which just goes to show its influence!
No matter how different the music of a pop or rock artist these days might sound to your ears, many of them rely on chords, sequences, and themes from Classical music. Here are some examples of songs you might have not noticed were actually heavily influenced by Classical music:
Alejandro by Lady Gaga - the intro to this song evokes both the violin concert Csárdás by Vittorio Monti, and the Hungarian folk dance that the latter was originally based on.
Natural by Little Mix & 7 S Club - Following the example of other modern artists, this song takes inspiration from the popular classical piece entitled Pavane by Gabriel Fauré.
Seven Nation Army by The White Stripes - This song has made history in its own way with its catchy bass guitar riff. This is based on seven notes featured in the first movement of Bruckner’s Fifth Symphony.
Plug in Baby by Muse - Another great example of how a memorable guitar riff can often have been inspired by a classical piece. In this case, it’s clear that Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D minor has influenced this song.
It’s easy to see how modern music and classical music are intrinsically connected. Another example of how something from the past has influenced current trends is musicals. Combining music and theatre, this genre also owes a lot from Classical music and has significantly evolved with the influence of modern music. I recently had the pleasure of seeing both Six The Musical at the Vaudeville Theatre and West Side Story at the cinema. Both have taken different periods in time and added a touch of modern themes and music to bring them to life in this 21st century - in the first, the story of the six wives of Henry VIII is presented as a pop concert, while the second is a modern retelling of a popular story based in the late 50s.
It’s important to remember that there is no right or wrong way to enjoy music. One can appreciate the past that signed the evolution of music as it is today AND the popular artists that currently populate the headlines. If a classical piece or a pop song speaks to you, then enjoy it!
