Pop Songs Inspired by Classical Music

From Beethoven to Bieber, see how classical music has inspired some of today’s biggest pop hits.

Introduction

It is widely known that many popular songs have been inspired by classical music. In fact, some of the most well-known and iconic pop songs of all time have been influenced by classical pieces. Below is a list of 10 popular songs inspired by classical music.

1. “Yesterday” by The Beatles
2. “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana
3. “All Along the Watchtower” by Bob Dylan
4. “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston
5. “Gynecomastia Blues” by Weezer
6. “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi
7. “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” by The Rolling Stones
8. “Bittersweet Symphony” by The Verve
9.”You Really Got Me”
10. ” Hey Jude”

“Rhapsody in Blue” by George Gershwin

George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” is one of the most popular and well-known pieces of classical music ever written. It has been covered by dozens of artists over the years, including Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, and Leonard Bernstein. The piece has also been used in countless movies and television shows.

In recent years, “Rhapsody in Blue” has been covered by pop artists such as Michael Buble and Jamie Cullum. Buble’s version was released as a single in 2009 and reached number one on the Adult Contemporary chart in the United States. Cullum’s version appeared on his album Interlude and was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Pop Instrumental Performance.

“Pomp and Circumstance” by Edward Elgar

“Pomp and Circumstance” is a song composed by Edward Elgar in 1901. The song was originally intended to be part of a larger work, but it was later released as a standalone piece. “Pomp and Circumstance” gained popularity after it was performed at the coronation of King Edward VII in 1902. The song has since been used at many other important events, including royal weddings and graduation ceremonies.

In popular culture, “Pomp and Circumstance” is best known for its use in the 1971 film Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. In the film, the song is played when the character Charlie Bucket finds a golden ticket that allows him to visit the chocolate factory. “Pomp and Circumstance” has also been featured in many other films, including The Devil Wears Prada, Bridesmaids, and The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.

The pop singer Beyonce is a big fan of “Pomp and Circumstance.” In 2010, she released a cover of the song as part of her album I Am… Sasha Fierce. Beyonce’s cover was well-received by fans and critics alike.

“The Nutcracker Suite” by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

“The Nutcracker Suite” by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky is one of the most popular and well-known pieces of classical music. It has been used in countless movies, TV shows, and commercials, and has even inspired some pop songs. Here are a few examples:

– “Walking on Sunshine” by Katrina and the Waves is based on the “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” from “The Nutcracker Suite”.
– “Jingle Bells” by The Chipmunks is based on the “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy”.
– “All I Want for Christmas Is You” by Mariah Carey samples the melody of “The Nutcracker Suite”‘s “March of the Toys”.

“The Four Seasons” by Antonio Vivaldi

“The Four Seasons” is a set of four violin concerti by Antonio Vivaldi, each of which gives musical expression to a season of the year. They were written around 1716–1717 and published in 1725 in Amsterdam, together with eight additional concerti, as Il cimento dell’armonia e dell’inventione (The Contest Between Harmony and Invention).

The first piece, “Spring”, evokes the freshness and vitality of the season with bubbling melodies, while “Summer” sizzles with heat and features some very virtuosic writing for the soloist. “Autumn” is a relaxed and pastoral work, while “Winter” brings the set to a close with a brisk and lively movement.

Inspired by these pieces, many pop songs have been written about the seasons. Here are just a few examples:

-“Spring” by Justin Bieber
-“Summertime” by DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince
-“Autumn Leaves” by Nat King Cole
-“Winter Wonderland” by Bob Dylan

“Canon in D” by Johann Pachelbel

“Canon in D” is one of the most popular and well-known pieces of classical music, and it has been inspiration for many pop songs over the years. The most famous example is probably “Here Comes the Bride” by Richard Wagner, which was used as the wedding march in many classical weddings. Other examples include “A Thousand Miles” by Vanessa Carlton, “She’s All I Ever Had” by Ricky Martin, and “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz.

Conclusion

There you have it! Some of the most popular pop songs that were inspired by classical music. From well-known pieces like Beethoven’s “Für Elise” to more modern classical composers like Erik Satie, it’s clear that the influence of classical music can be found in many different places. So the next time you’re listening to your favorite pop song, see if you can spot the classical inspiration!