How Classical Music is Used in Pop Culture
Contents
Many people are unaware of how often classical music is used in popular culture. This blog post will explore some examples of classical music in pop culture.
Introduction
Classical music has permeated almost every corner of pop culture. This is partly due to the fact that it has been around for centuries, and partly because it is such a versatile genre. From movies and TV shows to commercials and video games, classical music has become an integral part of the fabric of popular culture.
The most common way that classical music is used in pop culture is in the form of movie soundtracks. Many films have used classical pieces to score emotional scenes, or to convey a sense of sophistication and elegance. Some famous examples include “Requiem for a Dream” by Clint Mansell, which was used in the film The Fountain, and “Also sprach Zarathustra” by Richard Strauss, which was used in 2001: A Space Odyssey.
Classical music is also often used in commercials. Because it can evoke feelings of luxury, refinement, and sophistication, it is often used to advertise high-end products. For example, Chanel has used pieces by Chopin and Rachmaninoff in its commercials, while Lexus has used Beethoven’s “Für Elise.”
Video games also frequently make use of classical music. One of the most famous examples is “One Winged Angel” from Final Fantasy VII, which uses an excerpt from Berlioz’s Symphony Fantastique. Another popular game that features classical music is Civilization IV, which includes pieces by Bach, Beethoven, and Mozart on its soundtrack.
In addition to its use in movies, TV shows, commercials, and video games, classical music can also be heard on the radio, in restaurants and stores, and even in elevators. It has become such a ubiquitous part of popular culture that it is hard to imagine a world without it.
The Use of Classical Music in Pop Culture
Classical music has been used in popular culture for centuries and its presence can still be felt today. From films and television to video games and advertising, classical music has been used to convey a wide range of emotions and messages. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most famous examples of classical music in pop culture.
In Movies
Classical music has been used in movies for decades, dating back to the early days of film. In fact, some of the most famous and iconic moments in cinematic history have been accompanied by classical music. Here are just a few examples:
1. The 1904 French film “Le voyage dans la lune” (A Trip to the Moon) used Georges Méliès’ own arrangement of “The Nutcracker Suite” by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky as its soundtrack.
2. The famous shower scene in Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho” (1960) was accompanied by Bernard Hermann’s Grieg-inspired score.
3. Stanley Kubrick’s 1968 film “2001: A Space Odyssey” included a number of well-known classical pieces, including Johann Strauss II’s “Blue Danube Waltz,” Richard Strauss’ “Also sprach Zarathustra” and György Ligeti’s “Requiem.”
4. And who could forget the use of Johann Pachelbel’s “Canon in D Major” in the 1981 John Hughes film “The Breakfast Club”?
In Television
Popular culture has long made use of classical music. In fact, many classical pieces have been written specifically for use in television and film. Here are just a few examples of how classical music has been used in television:
The Simpsons – The Simpsons’ opening sequence is set to the tune of “The Blue Danube” by Johann Strauss II.
Game of Thrones – The show’s title sequence is set to the tune of “Rains of Castamere”, which is itself based on a melody by Edvard Grieg.
Breaking Bad – The show’s opening sequence is set to the tune of “Crystal Blue Persuasion” by Tommy James and the Shondells. However, the real star of Breaking Bad is not a pop song, but rather an aria from Giuseppe Verdi’s opera Il Trovatore. The aria, “Dies Irae (Day of Wrath)”, is played several times throughout the show and becomes synonymous with the character of Walter White.
In Commercials
Commercials are one of the most common places you’ll hear classical music. It’s been used to sell everything from cars to laundry detergent. Advertisers often use it to evoke an emotional response or to create a luxurious, premium feeling.
Here are a few examples of classical music in commercials:
-Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 in C Minor was used in a 2008 Cadillac commercial.
-Mozart’s Eine kleine Nachtmusik was used in a 2012 Lexus commercial.
-Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite was used in a 2016 holiday commercial for Amazon Prime.
The Impact of Classical Music in Pop Culture
Classical music has had a huge impact on pop culture and has been used in many popular films, TV shows, and video games. The use of classical music in pop culture can help to create an atmosphere of sophistication or tenseness. It can also be used to convey a sense of culture or history.
On Society
Classical music has been around for centuries, and its impact can be seen in many different aspects of society. From its early origins in the medieval era to its present-day popularity, classical music has had a profound influence on pop culture.
One of the most popular ways that classical music is used in pop culture is through film. Many films have featured classical music as a way to heighten the emotions of a scene. For example, the famous shower scene in Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho would not be nearly as suspenseful without Bernard Herrmann’s unsettling score. Classical music can also be used to create a more lighthearted mood, as seen in Disney’s Fantasia, where pieces like Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker Suite” are given new life through animation.
Classical music has also been extremely popular in advertising. Companies like Mercedes-Benz and Lexus have used classical pieces like Beethoven’s “Für Elise” and Bach’s “Air on the G String” to sell their cars. These pieces are chosen for their prestigious reputation and ability to evoke positive emotions in the listener.
In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in classical music among younger generations. Thanks to shows like Stranger Things and films like The Social Network, which featured an eclectic mix of classical and modern music, classical composers like Jean Sibelius and Erik Satie are becoming hip again. And with streaming services like Spotify making it easier than ever to access classical music, it seems likely that this trend will continue into the future.
On the Music Industry
In recent years, the use of classical music in pop culture has increased dramatically. From film and television to advertising and video games, classical music has become an integral part of modern entertainment.
One of the most notable examples of this trend is the use of classical music in film trailers. Trailers for popular movies such as “The Social Network” and “Inception” have featured well-known classical pieces such as Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Toccata and Fugue in D Minor” and Gyorgy Ligeti’s “Requiem.” This trend has even extended to television, with trailers for shows like “Mad Men” and “Breaking Bad” using classical pieces to create a sense of drama and tension.
Classical music is also increasingly being used in video games. Games such as “Assassin’s Creed III,” “BioShock Infinite,” and “The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim” have all featured well-known classical pieces on their soundtracks. In some cases, such as with “BioShock Infinite,” the game’s developers have even commissioned new works of classical music specifically for the game.
Finally, classical music is also becoming more common in advertising. Companies such as Apple, Mercedes-Benz, and Barclays have all used classical pieces in their commercials in recent years. This trend has even led to the creation of entire ad campaigns centered around classical music, such as Nissan’s “Listen to Classic FM” campaign in the United Kingdom.
Conclusion
In conclusion, classical music has been used in pop culture for many years, and its influence can be seen in many different ways. From movies and television to commercials and video games, classical music has a way of enhancing theListener’s experience and making it more enjoyable.
