Do singers who use classical music in their songs annoy you?

Question

I used to like when artists used classical pieces, or were influenced by classical pieces, in their own songs. But then, I started to notice that a lot of people thought the singer composed the classical portions as well as their song.

For example; Muse uses classical pieces in their songs sometimes. One song, Butterflies and Hurricanes (or something like that) quotes Rachmaninov's Second and Third piano concerti. But people on YouTube comment that they are so smart to write such music when they really didn't write it!

Another song they made is called "United States of Eurasia + Collateral Damage" Collateral Damage is what they call their ossia of Chopin's Nocturne No. 2 and, once again, everyone thinks that Muse wrote the nocturne!

And sooo many people believe Barry Manilow wrote Chopin's Prelude No. 20, which he uses in his song "Could it be Magic"

What is your opinion on these types of artists? Do you think them using classical music is a good thing or a bad thing?

Purple Star · Accepted Answer

I think it is a good thing as long as they give credit to the original artist. 

For example with Muse, Bellamy always says who inspired him to write X piece or gives the name or reference or even you can find that information in the booklet of the albums. I think is good that some artists can rescue some wonderful pieces from the past. The problem is that people need to read or get more interested  in music, with a little research of the song you can find when they "borrow" some classic pieces. But again, I am aware not everyone will do that, so for me it is more a problem of the ones who listen to the music, not the artist.

Anonymous · Answer

I'm a classical musician, and when I listen to classical music, I do listen intently - I don't really like having it on the background. I use pop music when I want background music. That being said, I don't think there's any "wrong" way to listen to any music. On the other hand, there is much to be gained by concentrating on what you're hearing - to really hear the "story" in the music. I often take scores out of the library for pieces I'm listening to - even if they're pieces I've heard many many times before. Even if you don't read music well or don't play an instrument, if you know just the basics of reading (especially rhythms, but not necessarily the names of notes or clefs), following with the score will enable you to hear things that you couldn't hear before.

Anlin Wang · Answer

I have no problem with singers quoting and outright copying the old masters. I just wish that their quotes would interest people in classical music more. But the little publicity from popular bands like Muse is certainly better than no publicity at all. I really wish people knew who actually wrote those passages but at least it's proof that these musicians have studied the classics.

? · Answer

Singers who do not sing well annoy me.

I do wish that music was properly credited when used as the basis for another work. The print version of Adrienne Anderson/Barry Manilow's "Could It Be Magic" does give the attribution. I find that one an interesting pairing. Moving from the Prelude in C minor to the song in C major.

hudson · Answer

1

Dave U · Answer

The one which annoys me most is that Prokofiev rip-off done by Sting. Don't know why, it just does...

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Do singers who use classical music in their songs annoy you?

6 Answers