Songs That Sample Classical Music
Contents
A look at some of the best songs that sample classical music. From modern pop hits to classic hip-hop tracks, these songs show the enduring influence of classical music.
Introduction
Songs That Sample Classical Music does not only focus on modern day hits, but also popular songs from the past that have used classical music in interesting and innovative ways. By delving into the stories behind these samples, the book offers a new and refreshing perspective on both the classical and pop music scenes.
Songs That Sample Classical Music is arranged in chronological order, starting with Elvis Presley’s “All Shook Up” in 1957 and ending with Lady Gaga’s “Alejandro” in 2010. In between, readers will find such classics as The Beatles’ “Michelle,” David Bowie’s “Life on Mars?,” Madonna’s “Vogue,” Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” Oasis’s “Wonderwall,” and Usher’s “- Yeah!”
While most of the songs included are American or British hits, Songs That Sample Classical Music also features a few choice tracks from other countries, including Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Sweden. Whether you’re a pop music fan or a classical music aficionado, this book is sure to have something for everyone.
A Brief History of Sampling
Sampling is the act of taking a segment, or sample, of one sound recording and reusing it as an instrument or a sound recording in a different song or piece. The term “sample” can refer to both the action of sampling and the resulting sound. The use of samples in popular music began in the 1970s with the advent of electronic music and hip hop.
The Birth of Sampling
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, a new type of music began to emerge that would change the face of popular music forever. This new style was built around the use of samples, or snippets, of other songs, which were then looped or repeated to create a new piece of music.
The first song to use sampling extensively was 1973’s “You Can’t Hide Your Love Forever” by Scottish rock band The Action. The song featured samples of classical music, as well as sounds from nature and everyday life, all carefully chosen and arranged to create a unique listening experience.
The birth of sampling coincided with the development of new technologies that made it easier to create and manipulate recorded sound. The most important of these was the digital sampler, which allowed musicians to record short snippets of sound and then play them back at different speeds, altering the pitch and tempo of the sample.
This revolution in sound led to a golden age of sampling in the 1980s and early 1990s, when artists like Depeche Mode, Public Enemy, and the Beastie Boys pioneered the use of samples in pop music. Some songs from this era, like Public Enemy’s “Bring the Noise” and Eric B. & Rakim’s “Paid in Full,” are now considered classics of the genre.
Since then, sampling has become an integral part of hip-hop, R&B, pop, electronic dance music, and other genres. Today, there are few songs that don’t feature at least some elements that were sampled from other sources. And as technology continues to evolve, we can only imagine what new sounds will be created in the years to come.
Sampling in the Digital Age
The digital age has ushered in a new era of music-making, and sampling has become one of the most popular tools for producers and DJs. With the advent of software like Ableton Live and Akai MPC, it’s easier than ever to chop up samples and create new beats.
But what is sampling, and where did it come from? Sampling is the process of taking a sound or phrase from one piece of music and using it in another. It can be as simple as taking a drum loop from one track and using it in another, or as complex as creating an entirely new song from scratch using only samples.
The history of sampling is long and convoluted, but it can be traced back to the early days of hip hop. In the 1970s, DJs began experimenting with loops and breaks, cutting up sections of vinyl records to create new rhythms. This led to the development of turntablism, which revolutionized the way music was made.
Over time, sampling became more commonplace in all genres of music. In the 1990s, crate diggers began scouring record stores for rare and obscure tracks to sample, resulting in some iconic songs that would go on to influence a generation of producers.
Today, sampling is more popular than ever. With advancements in technology, anyone can be a producer, and there are no shortage of resources available for those looking to get started. Whether you’re interested in creating your own beats or finding new ways to sample your favorite tracks, there’s no limit to what you can do with this powerful tool.
Songs That Sample Classical Music
Songs That Sample Classical Music is a classical music compilation album by various artists. It was released in the United Kingdom on November 4, 2016, by Decca Records and in the United States on November 18, 2016, by Verve Label Group.
“All I Need” by Radiohead
“All I Need” is a song by the English alternative rock band Radiohead, released as the second single from their third studio album, OK Computer (1997), on 13 October 1997. The song was written by Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood and Ed O’Brien. It was produced by Nigel Godrich, and features a “loop” of piano chords underpinning Yorke’s vocals. Like much of OK Computer, the track references classical music; it samples Pierre Boulez’s “Messiaen Numerique”.
“Runaway” by Kanye West
“Runaway” is a song by American hip hop recording artist Kanye West, released as the second single from his fifth studio album, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (2010). The song features Pusha T, on his G.O.O.D. Music debut. The track was produced by West with Jeff Bhasker and Mike Dean, additional production being handled by No I.D.. It contains a large sample of “Magnificat” by Polish baroque composer Stanisław Sylwester Szarzyński and Rolfe Kent’s “Baubles, Bangles and Beads”, which in turn is based on the 1871 composition “Kismet” by Alexander Borodin.
“Nights” by Frank Ocean
“Nights” by Frank Ocean is a song that samples classical music. The song is built around a sample of “Beau soir” by Claude Debussy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many songs that sample classical music. Some of these songs are more popular than others, but all of them have been able to stand the test of time. These songs show that classical music can be used in a variety of ways, and that it is still relevant today.
