Pachelbels's Canon in D

Pachelbels's Canon in D

Pachelbel's canon is one of the most commonly used classical bases used in modern music. 

Graduation Song

Vitamin C ft. Jay-Z - Graduation Song

This song begins with a classical base of violins and gradually grows towards the rap. The song is heavily based on Pachelbel's Canon in D, transposed to the key of C major. It also featured New York City's "All City Concert Choir" as the background voices, though the video used a different choir. The classical tune is then turned into a contemporary song by adding voice and drums and constantly plays underneath Jay-Z's rap. 

The Last Time

The Rolling Stones - The Last Time

Although the song is credited to Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, Richards has mentioned that it was based on a traditional gospel song called "This May Be the Last Time", recorded by The Staple Singers in 1955. If listened to carefully, the gospel version is much slower version than the Rolling Stones' version. 

The Staple Singers - This May Be the Last Time

Grace Kelly

Grace Kelly - Mika

In this 2007 song, Mika had borrowed the main harmony from  Figaro's famous aria 'Largo al factotum' in the opera 'The Barber of Seville' by Gioachino Rossini. The theme is modernised to turned into a contemporary melody by adding voice, drums and bass guitar. The piano chords give a slow, steady pace to the song but is livened up with his unique style of singing. 

Bitter Sweet Symphony

Bitter Sweet Symphony - The Verve

This song starts with a simple classical melody played on the violin, soon accompanied by drums which modernises the tune. The violin theme plays repetitively throughout the entire song which is effective and gives a sense of classical music in the background. The repetition lulls me into a hypnotic perception and I feel calm when I listen to this. The music builds and crescendos throughout the song and the echoing voices at the end feels mesmerising and captivating. This piece of original music engages aspects of classical music but elements such as the drums and voice give the contemporary feel of modern music.

Nero

Nero - Promises

Nero is a British electronic music act originating from London, England consisting of Daniel Stephens and Joseph Ray with Alana Watson, a vocalist, who are best known for producing drum and bass, dubstep and house.

This piece of dubstep is so exciting, exhilarating and makes me want to stand up and dance.  This song is most likely played at discos and parties whereas classical music is usually performed in a formal gathering, recital or concert.

Simple Symphony

Here is Britten's 'simple symphony', 3rd movement

I really enjoyed listening to this piece because it is filled with exciting qualities which gives a large impact and climax.