Classical Music’s Impact on Modern Popular Music
Throughout the annals of music, classical music has consistently been a wellspring of creativity and innovation, profoundly influencing various genres, including rock, blues, and even metal. This article explores how classical music has shaped these forms, and to what extent its influence is still felt in modern compositions.
Classical Music’s Influence on Blues and Rock
While classical music may seem distant from the wild, vibrant sounds of blues and rock, there are undeniable connections. Some of the most famous examples include:
Erik Carmen's All By Myself and Never Gonna Fall In Love Again, which utilized melodies from Rachmaninoff, and Could It Be Magic by Barry Manilow, which was inspired by Chopin. Additionally, Alexander Borodin's Polynesian Dances found its way into the soundtrack of the musical Kismet.
These instances showcase the creative fusion that arises when classical music elements are incorporated into popular genres. The absorption of unique musical moves and innovative chord changes from classical music has played a significant role in the evolution of these genres.
Classical Music’s Role in Early Rock and Roll
Early rock and roll predominantly drew inspiration from blues music, which itself has roots in African music. However, classical music had an impact on rock structure and instrumentation. For instance, the standard music notation, which originated from Western classical music, played a crucial role in the development of musical notation for rock and roll.
Another notable aspect is the influence of classical music on the electric bass. Although electric bass has largely replaced the double-bass in popular music, the minimal influence of classical music on the core instrumentation of rock, blues, and country is evident. As a result, you're unlikely to find extensive classical music references in the work of Bill Haley and the Comets.
Classical Music’s Influence on Metal Music
Among all popular music genres, metal music is the most heavily influenced by classical music. This influence is particularly evident during the late 80s when the term "neoclassical metal" or "Bach rock" was coined.
Yngwie Malmsteen, a prominent figure in neoclassical metal, showcased his classical guitar skills in songs like Black Star. Even before Malmsteen, Randy Rhodes, the former guitarist of Ozzy Osbourne, was a student of classical music, as evident in his instrumentals like Dee. Other artists such as Tony MacAlpine and Jason Becker were also integral in this movement, with MacAlpine's track Tears of Sahara being a quintessential example.
Conclusion
While the influence of classical music on modern popular music is diverse and nuanced, it is most pronounced in metal music. The standard music notation and some guitar techniques in metal have their roots in classical music, making it clear that classical influences are still very much alive in contemporary music.
As the music continues to evolve, the impact of classical music on genres like metal is likely to be an ongoing and dynamic process, shaping and evolving the genre in new and exciting ways.