Classical Music’s Surprising Impact on Pop Culture

Classical music has influenced American pop culture in surprising ways. It shows up in music, movies, TV, and branding. These connections make classical music more important than it seems.

Orff’s “O Fortuna” from Carmina Burana is very dramatic. Parts of it are used in songs like “Exterminate, Annihilate, Destroy” by Dope and “O Fortuna” by Rhydian. The powerful choir and strings are mixed with rock band instruments. This creates a unique and intense sound.

Classical music has influenced pop songs, movie soundtracks, and TV ads. Let’s explore some surprising ways this has happened. After this, you might hear pop music and movie soundtracks differently.

Pop Music Pachelbel’s Canon and similar chord progressions are common in pop songs. Shared musical ideas connect different times and styles.

Film & TV Scores Movies and shows use classical music for big moments and famous themes. This adds emotion and makes scenes more dramatic.

Commercial ads use famous melodies to make jingles. This creates instant recognition and feels classy.

Pop Music Owes the Classics

Pop music has borrowed from classical music for over 100 years. You can hear it in the chords, melodies, and sounds of many pop songs. These classical touches make the music special and familiar.

Famous Pop Songs Sampling Classical Pieces

• Classical music has passed down chord patterns that pop artists still use today. Chords like I, IV, V, and vi are in many pop songs by artists like The Beatles and Taylor Swift. These chords come from classical music’s common practice period.
• Orff’s “O Fortuna” from Carmina Burana is very dramatic. Parts of it are used in songs like “Exterminate, Annihilate, Destroy” by Dope and “O Fortuna” by Rhydian. The powerful choir and strings are mixed with rock band instruments. This creates a unique and intense sound.
• Pop music has borrowed from classical music for over 100 years. You can hear it in the chords, melodies, and sounds of many pop songs. These classical touches make the music special and familiar.

Many pop songs also use parts of famous classical music. These songs mix classical elements in creative ways. Here are more examples to explore.

• Lady Gaga’s song “Eh, Eh (Nothing Else I Can Say)” uses a piano melody from Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1. She turns the classical tune into a catchy pop hook. This shows how classical music can fit into pop songs.
• Lady Gaga’s song “Eh, Eh (Nothing Else I Can Say)” uses a piano melody from Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1. She turns the classical tune into a catchy pop hook. This Pop singer Max Martin used classical music in *NSYNC’s song “It’s Gonna Be Me.” The song is based on a simpler version of Rachmaninoff’s 2nd Piano Concerto. It mixes the band’s vocals with the classical melody.. The moody Romantic work adds classical gravitas.

Pop artists use classical music in their songs. They know it makes the music deeper and timeless. It works well in every style of music.

Shared Musical Structures

Pop music doesn’t just copy classical songs. It also uses ideas from classical music. Composers from the past created patterns that still shape pop songs today.

Sonata form is a structure used in classical music. It has three parts: exposition, development, and recapitulation. Each part builds on the last to create the music. Many pop songs follow a similar pattern. First, they introduce a main melody. Then, they change and explore it in the middle. Finally, they bring back the first melody at the end.

The verse-chorus form is very common in pop music. It switches between verses and choruses with a catchy instrumental part. This is similar to the ritornello form used by Baroque composers like Vivaldi. In ritornello form, instrumental sections repeat between singing parts.

Pop music sounds very different from a Mozart concerto. But they share similar structures underneath. This shows how classical music still influences pop today.

Examining shared musical structures in further depth:

Fugues and Canons

Baroque composers like Bach created complex forms like fugues. In fugues, a melody is played in different parts at different times. This layered style can also be found in some pop songs.

• Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” opens with a classical-style fugue section, with iterations of the iconic “Mama…” melody overlapping.
• Coolio’s song “Gangsta’s Paradise” uses a vocal canon. The chorus repeats parts of his rapped verses. This creates a layered and unique sound.

Theme and Variation Forms

Theme and variation is a classical music style. Composers change a theme but keep its main idea. Pop artists do this too. In Rihanna’s “Disturbia,” the rhythm changes, but the chords stay the same. A-Ha’s “Take On Me” also changes its 4-note synth in different ways. These changes keep the music fun and interesting.

This adaptability of core themes shows up across eras and genres.

Cyclical Forms

Classical cyclical forms feature returns back to opening melodies after contrasting intervening sections. Pop examples include:

• Bookending tracks with the same chorus melody, as Taylor Swift does on “You Belong With Me.”
• Bands like The Decemberists repeat song themes later on their albums. They use the same motifs in new ways. This creates a connection between the songs.

Pop artists use ideas from classical music like fugues, canons, and variations. They also use repeating themes. These classical styles are reimagined in pop music.

Shared Chord Progressions

Classical music has passed down chord patterns that pop artists still use today. Chords like I, IV, V, and vi are in many pop songs by artists like The Beatles and Taylor Swift. These chords come from classical music’s common practice period.

If you hear something similar between a Mozart minuet and a pop hit, it’s because they use the same chord patterns. The I-V-vi-IV progression, known as the 50s progression, comes from classical music. Composers in the 1700s created these chords and their relationships. Even cadence patterns like the V-VI in pop ballads trace back to classical music.

Theme and variation is a classical music style. Composers change a theme but keep its main idea. Pop artists do this too. In Rihanna’s “Disturbia,” the rhythm changes, but the chords stay the same. A-Ha’s “Take On Me” also changes its 4-note synth in different ways. These changes keep the music fun and interesting.

• The I-V-vi-IV chord pattern is very common. It’s in 1950s songs like “Earth Angel” by The Penguins. It’s also in newer songs like “Story of My Life” by One Direction.

Pop music keeps changing, but it still uses classical ideas. Classical music is versatile and full of emotion. This makes it a strong influence on pop music.

The Rise of Pop Symphony

A new style called pop symphony mixes pop and classical music. Pop artists work with orchestras to create this sound. It blends guitars and drums with a full symphony orchestra.

Groups like Clean Bandit and Pentatonix mix pop and classical music. They add strings, woodwinds, and brass to pop songs. This creates a unique and rich sound that neither style can make alone.

Pop symphony shows how artists use classical music to add emotion to their songs. By mixing classical and modern styles, they make classical music feel fresh. This keeps it important for today’s listeners.

In examining the pop symphony phenomenon closer:

• Pop star Sting has toured with his “Symphonicity” shows. He plays hits like “Roxanne” with full orchestras. The symphony makes the songs sound richer and more lush.
• Rock bands like Metallica and GNR made live albums with orchestras. They mix violins and electric guitars for a unique sound. New artists like Lindsey Stirling also mix classical and modern music. She plays violin solos over EDM beats. This mix of classical and pop makes her music popular.
  DJs like Avicii mix EDM with symphonic melodies. This creates a big, powerful sound. The mix makes the music feel like an anthem.

This mass appeal reveals why the pop symphony crossover genre continues to grow. The emotional dynamics of classical orchestration perfectly complement contemporary genres.

Film and TV Scores Rely Heavily on Classical Influences

Pop songs often hint at classical music, but movie and TV scores borrow it more directly. Many blockbuster soundtracks use classical pieces to make scenes more dramatic. Here are some examples.

Blockbusters with Classical Score Inspiration

Movies about Beethoven and Mozart often use their music. For example, Amadeus has Mozart’s works, and Immortal Beloved uses Beethoven’s music. This helps viewers feel like they are in 18th-century Vienna.

However, classical music also elevates movies with contemporary or futuristic settings:

• Movies about Beethoven and Mozart use their music to bring history to life. For example, Amadeus has Mozart’s works, and Immortal Beloved uses Beethoven’s music. This helps viewers imagine 18th-century
• Movies about Beethoven and Mozart use their music to bring history to life. For example, Amadeus has Mozart’s works, and Immortal Beloved uses Beethoven’s music. This helps viewers imagine 18th-century Vienna. Disney’s Fantasia 2000 also uses classical music with animation. It pairs pieces like Shostakovich’s Piano Concerto No. 2 and Respighi’s Pines of Rome with powerful visuals.

Movies about Beethoven and Mozart use their music to bring history to life. For example, Amadeus has Mozart’s works, and Immortal Beloved uses Beethoven’s music. This helps viewers imagine 18th-century Vienna. Disney’s Fantasia 2000 also uses classical music with animation. It pairs pieces like Shostakovich’s Piano Concerto No. 2 and Respighi’s Pines of Rome with powerful visuals.

Movies about Beethoven and Mozart use their music to bring history to life. For example, Amadeus has Mozart’s works, and Immortal Beloved uses Beethoven’s music. This helps viewers imagine 18th-century Vienna. Disney’s Fantasia 2000 also uses classical music with animation. It pairs pieces like Shostakovich’s Piano Concerto No. 2 and Respighi’s Pines of Rome with powerful visuals.

• The famous shower scene in Hitchcock’s Psycho has a scary string-only score. Bernard Herrmann wrote the music to sound tense and unsettling. It uses atonal techniques like those from early 20th-century composers such as Bartok.
• Movies about Beethoven and Mozart use their music to bring history to life. For example, Amadeus has Mozart’s works, and Immortal Beloved uses Beethoven’s music. This helps viewers imagine 18th-century Vienna. Disney’s Fantasia 2000 also uses classical music with animation. It pairs pieces like Shostakovich’s Piano Concerto No. 2 and Respighi’s Pines of Rome with powerful visuals.
• Movies about Beethoven and Mozart use their music to bring history to life. For example, Amadeus has Mozart’s works, and Immortal Beloved uses Beethoven’s music. This helps viewers imagine 18th-century Vienna. Disney’s Fantasia 2000 also uses classical music with animation. It pairs pieces like Shostakovich’s Piano Concerto No. 2 and Respighi’s Pines of Rome with powerful visuals.
• Movies about Beethoven and Mozart use their music to bring history to life. For example, Amadeus has Mozart’s works, and Immortal Beloved uses Beethoven’s music. This helps viewers imagine 18th-century Vienna. Disney’s Fantasia 2000 also uses classical music with animation. It pairs pieces like Shostakovich’s Piano Concerto No. 2 and Respighi’s Pines of Rome with powerful visuals.

Classical music works well as a soundtrack because it has big emotional changes. Composers use classical tunes to match the story. This makes scenes more dramatic and grabs the audience’s attention.

Famous TV Theme Songs Built on Classical Melodies

Movies about Beethoven and Mozart use their music to bring history to life. For example, Amadeus has Mozart’s works, and Immortal Beloved uses Beethoven’s music. This helps viewers imagine 18th-century Vienna. Disney’s Fantasia 2000 also uses classical music with animation. It pairs pieces like Shostakovich’s Piano Concerto No. 2 and Respighi’s Pines of Rome with powerful visuals.

• Movies about Beethoven and Mozart use their music to bring history to life. For example, Amadeus has Mozart’s works, and Immortal Beloved uses Beethoven’s music. This helps viewers imagine 18th-century Vienna. Disney’s Fantasia 2000 also uses classical music with animation. It pairs pieces like Shostakovich’s Piano Concerto No. The theme song for The Onedin Line in the 1970s comes from Khachaturian’s Adagio from Spartacus. He wrote it in 1954. The oboe solo in the music feels romantic and nostalgic.

These examples show how classical music works well on TV. Composers use familiar classical tunes to create emotions. This helps pull viewers into the show’s world.

Many TV composers use ideas from classical music. They borrow these to create the right mood. This shows how much classical music inspires TV soundtracks.

• The BBC’s Planet Earth opens with powerful theme music. It comes from George Fenton’s “Everlasting,” a choral piece. The music matches the beauty and grandeur of Earth’s landscapes.
• In Breaking Bad, the theme song “When the Cat’s Away” by Dave Porter is very tense. It uses distorted guitar sounds and a dark bassline. The music feels like 20th-century classical works.
• HBO’s Succession uses classical music to add drama. It features pieces like Bach’s Orchestral Suite No. 3 and Stravinsky’s
• Netflix’s show Bridgerton uses a violin version of Taylor Swift’s “Wildest Dreams.” This mix of pop and classical fits the 19th-century setting. It helps bring viewers into that period.

Shows will keep using classical music to set the mood. This is because classical music is very versatile. It works well for many different tones and atmospheres.

Product Commercials Apply Classical Music to Branding

Classical music is used in ads to sell fancy products. It makes the products feel more luxurious. This is because classical music is linked to high quality.

Instantly Recognizable Classical Jingles

Some advertisers realized they could use famous classical tunes to sell products. They added catchy lyrics to the melodies. Here are two famous examples.

• British Airways’ soaring 1980s commercial theme “The Flower Duet” from Delibes’ opera Lakmé
• The bouncy “Food, Glorious Food” song from Oliver Twist used in ads for Kraft macaroni and cheese

These jingles use classical music that people know right away. The music brings positive feelings and memories. Adding fun lyrics makes them even more nostalgic but still familiar.

Many more brands have used classical music over the years. They chose it because people recognize the tunes. This makes their ads more memorable.

• DeBeers uses Grieg’s “Morning Mood” in their jewelry ads. It is a shorter version from Peer Gynt. The music feels like a sunrise and matches romantic proposals.
• In the 1990s, Philadelphia used Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” as their tourism song. The music was from his 9th symphony. They used it to show off their cultural attractions.
• Ralph Lauren uses music like Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons” in their ads. This makes their clothing feel fancy and luxurious. It connects their style to the elegance of the Baroque era.
• Coca-Cola has used classical music in its ads. For example, they used Ravel’s “Bolero.” This music helps promote holiday togetherness and family values.

Classical music works well in ads because it feels uplifting. People recognize it right away. It makes them feel good and respond quickly.

Classical Music as Shorthand for Luxury

Classical music is used in ads for more than just jingles. It plays behind product videos to feel fancy and stylish. This music works well for creating a sense of sophistication.

• Luxury cars often use string quartets and piano music. This music feels elegant and fancy. It matches the style automakers want to show.
• High-end fashion and jewelry ads use harp and flute music. The soft sounds feel timeless and beautiful. They also show the skill behind the products.
• Fine dining establishments – small chamber groups mirror the intimate, exclusive setting

Classical music feels fancy and doesn’t need lyrics. It matches well with luxury items and experiences. Brands use it to share their message.

Examining this “shorthand for luxury” phenomenon more closely:

• Jaguar and Lexus use solo piano music in their ads. They play songs by new-age artists like Yiruma. This music highlights the sleek design of their cars.
• Tiffany’s blue jewelry boxes play soft music when opened. The music sounds like a lullaby. This makes their jewelry feel special, like treasured heirlooms.
• Starbucks holiday ads use classical songs like “Carol of the Bells” and “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.” They play instrumental versions of these songs. This helps promote their special holiday drinks.
• Grey Poupon Mustard uses classical music in its ads. They play string quartet music to sound fancy. This makes their mustard feel like a high-class choice for fine dining.

Classical music feels fancy and special because of its history. It makes things seem high-quality and exclusive. Many brands use this to their advantage.

Conclusion

Classical music’s influence on pop culture is profound and multifaceted. From iconic pop songs sampling classical melodies to dramatic movie soundtracks and sophisticated commercial jingles, classical music continues to shape the modern cultural landscape. This enduring legacy not only enriches our entertainment experiences but also keeps classical music relevant and vibrant in today’s world.

Call to Action

Explore the world of classical music and discover how it has influenced your favorite pop songs, movies, and TV shows. Listen to the iconic pieces mentioned in this article, and you might find a new appreciation for the timeless melodies that have inspired generations. Whether you’re a classical music enthusiast or just curious about its impact on pop culture, there’s always more to uncover in this rich and evolving genre. Dive in and let the music speak to you!

Frequently Asked Questions

What pop music examples use classical music?

Pop songs have used classical music in many ways. They sample famous melodies like Pachelbel’s Canon. They also borrow forms like fugues and sonata forms. Pop songs use similar chord progressions too. Some even mix classical and pop instruments to create a new style.

How do movie scores rely on classical music?

Blockbuster soundtracks use the power of classical music. Historical movies often include real classical pieces. Sci-fi and modern films borrow melodies and sounds to make scenes more emotional.

Why do classical suit commercials?

Classical melodies are instantly recognizable to forge positive nostalgic connections. The sophistication also promotes luxury goods and experiences.

Do any modern musicians use classical influences?

Artists mix classical instruments and sound with pop music. They also use classical ideas to write songs. This adds more emotion and depth to their music.

How did classical originate pop chord progressions?

The I, IV, V, and chords in pop music come from classical composers. They created these patterns in the 17th and 18th centuries. Pop songs still use them today.

Why does classical music remain relevant?

Classical music changes by mixing with modern styles. It keeps its emotion but adds a fresh sound. This helps it stay relevant today.

How do TV shows use classical music?

Orchestral TV theme songs borrow from classical melodies that deeply stir emotions. Shows also incorporate classical scores to complement drama.