Crossover classical music is a broad category which results from the merge of classical and popular music (such as jazz, rock, pop) and targets both audiences of classical music and popular music. It includes a wide range of music, such as: 1) classical music that has become popularized, 2) popular music performed by classically trained performers, most often the operatic or instrumentalist superstars, 3) classical music being performed or sang by pop artists, 4) popular music performed in a classical manner by classical artists. It can also refer to collaborations between classical and popular performers, as well as music that blends elements of classical music (including operatic and symphonic) with popular music (including pop, rock, middle of the road, and Latin, among other types). Sometimes, great works come out of this intersection between classical and popular music. We have curated some crossover classical music which stands out and might provide inspiration, especially to popular music audiences.
Sinfonity: Tocata and Fugue in D minor (Bach)
Classical music rocks! Hear Toccata and Fugue in D Minor by Bach played on 15 highly distorted electric guitars and imagine Bach 400 years later laughing his head off as his masterpieces are still one of the coolest things in music!
40 Fingers: Beethoven meets Flamenco
With this modern arrangement Beethoven's "Fur Elise" it might be the first time that you may want to dance this famous classical piece!
The Piano Guys: Lacrimosa (Mozart) /Hello (Adele)
Listen to the extraordinary mix between Mozart's tragic and terrifying "Lacrimosa" (originally performed one day before the composer's death), resembling death itself, and Adele's lighter but pleading "Hello"!
The Piano Guys: Pavane (Fauré) / Titamium (David Guetta)
A modern adaptation of Fauré's famous "Pavane" with beat and electronic sounds, although the balance of the blend is more in favor of David Guetta's "Titanium" as the "Pavane" is more in the "backstage" of this music.
David Garrett: Carmen Fantaisie (Bizet)
Garrett's main focus when he was young, was learning classical concertos, chamber music, conducting and composition, but at some time he realised that there were people in his age interested in rock-n-roll so he decided to merge classical music with rock. One of his most interesting experimentations is the entertaining modern version of Bizet's opera "Carmen".
David Garrett: The 5th (Beethoven)
This time David Garrett is adding rock sounds to Beethoven's masterpiece. Both an interesting composition and a show, his work gives a contemporary perspective of Beethoven's 5th symphony.
Jackie Evanch: Ave Maria (Gounod/Bach)
A modern version of "Ave Maria" which is overflowing with spirituality and peacefulness.
Tempus Quartet: Danse Macabre Rock Version
A very original version of the Danse Macabre by Camille Saint Saëns, including a very interesting choreography and videography.
Yuja Wang: Turkish March (Mozart)
Listen to the amazing remix of Mozart's "Turkish March", by the incredible pianist Yuja Wang. The Turkish March was initially composed in 1783 as the 3rd movement from Mozart's piano sonata No 11 and imitates the music by the Turkish military bands of the 17th and 18th centuries. Yuja Wang attempted a virtuosic jazz adaptation of the original piece which leaves you in awe. Just imagine the Turkish military bands marching on Wang's frenetic rhythms!