Blurring the lines between pop and classical styles?
We have all seen (and been a part of) the numerous discussions and arguments about what is and what isn't classical music. A friend posted this to me today (link below). It is a fugue in the style of JS Bach on a theme by Stefani Germanotta (better known as Lady GaGa). I think it's a lovely blurring of the boundaries. But is the fugue classical? Or does the piece remain pop because it is based on a pop tune?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bYBJAQ-_24&feature=share
The original Lady GaGa song 'Bad Romance' is here for reference: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrO4YZeyl0I#t=0m30s
Do my fellow contributors know of any other such compositions based on pop/rock/jazz numbers? Please do provide links.
Birdgirl: LOVED the King's Singers video! I hope you didn't mean Edward Reid on 'Britain's Got Talent' recently. I think this is pure genius: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAkdmsgkWoE
Lynn: You probably know that Peter Schickele (for this is who PDQ Bach really is) is no 'wannabe' composer; he writes serious music under his real name. 'PDQ Bach' is only meant as a bit of fun and really defies categorisation in the normal way. I admire Schickele's immense skill in creating his often masterful pastiches. And ramble all you want :-)
MissLimLam: I hadn't come across the Baroque Beatles before. How very bizarre!
Anya: Thanks for the link!
I have been interested by who has NOT responded to this question (many of the regular Top Contributors I am sometimes in contact with). I suspect that this sort of semi-frivolous question does not meet with everyone's approval and I have been taken to task by one such person who seemed disappointed in me that I had asked it. While I do NOT usually like (or approve of) 'disco', 'techno' or 'metal' arrangements of classical music (8tpprsv and kaviani999 please take note - too often they are just an excuse for a lack of original invention on the part of the 'arranger'), I am fascinated by respectful transcriptions/arrangements that attempt to take a new view on an old masterpiece (Uri Caine's takes on Bach, Beethoven and Mahler come to mind, as does Mike Westbrook's 'Big Band Rossini').
I am also intrigued by the labelling of different musical genres and, although I am among the first to 'bleat' "this is not classical music, post elsewhere", there are times when the lines become blurred
(like it or not!). The fugue on 'Bad Romance' was very skillfully done (I couldn't have done it!) and as a deliberate Bach pastiche (also well done). I wasn't saying whether I thought this was good or bad, classical or pop; I just found this example a good way to open a mini-debate and I'm grateful to those who took part, while being a little disappointed that a few more haven't joined in.
I had decided to close this question now, but have talked myself into extending the expiration time in the hope that one or two more might be tempted to comment (it's OK, I don't expect you to approve!).
So, here's hoping ...