The classical-crossover debate

[lyndsey]

Hi everyone,

I've got to start doing research for my individual study about music, and I'm thinking about doing a study on the development of the classical-crossover genre, as I think it'd be quite interesting.

I'm gonna struggle for literature as its such a recent subject (I've already checked Amazon, and as they don't have any I'm slightly stuffed) but there are some newspaper articles I can look for.

Could people possibly answer a few questions for me please.

1 - What do you consider as classical-crossover music?
2 - How did you become interested in it?
3 - Has listening to classical-crossover music encouraged you to listen to 'real' classical music?
4 - Do you think this genre makes classical music more accessible to young people? If so, how? If not, do you think it is just a marketing ploy to encourage people to buy the music?


That's all the questions that come to mind so far, but if you want to say anything else then please do so.

Ta muchly!
Lyndsey x

[admin]

Hi Lyndsey,

That sounds like a fascinating subject to study. I almost wish I had time to do it myself. Almost!

It would be easy to describe a classical-crossover artists: Someone who is (or was) primarily a classical performer but who incorporates material from the world of popular music into their repertoire. Classical-crossover as a musical genre is not quite so easy. For me, it is music which has its roots in classical but arranged in a contemporary way to the extent that it "crosses over" into other categories. This may include instruments that are not usually considered classical, rhythm, etc.

I think I first became interested when I heard tracks by Vanessa-Mae on the radio. Then I heard the term being applied to Bryn Terfel and others and began to take notice of it.

Crossover has not encouraged me to listen to classical because I have been doing that for years.

I'm not sure the genre makes classical music more accessible to young people (because it has always been accessible) but it certainly makes them more aware of it.

Good luck with your studies!

Roger

[Dave]

Hello Lyndsey,

As Roger has already written a good answer to your question 1, I'm going to be lazy and reproduce what All Music.com said about it here - because I happen to agree with what they say!

Classical crossover can refer to recordings that consist mostly of classical music intended for a popular audience, or to performers (usually opera vocalists) skilled in the traditional classical repertoire, who elect to pursue other forms of music as well. When selecting pieces for a wider audience, classical crossover artists tend to choose better-known, more melodic works over more complex and challenging compositions — not necessarily because they are incapable of performing the latter pieces adequately, but simply in order to emphasize melody and accessibility with the others. In addition to performing classical music, classical crossover artists might direct their attention to traditional folk-derived songs performed in a straight-ahead pop style, Christmas tunes, pop standards, musical theater, or whatever else they find compatible with their individual vocal qualities and training.

If you click the link I gave, you will see a few links to related genres, which may help you too. Classical Crossover covers quite a broad range of musical styles and instrumentation.

Question 2.

My mother used to play classical crossover music by singers such as Benjamino Gigli and Mario Lanza way back in the 1950s - before it was even described as classical crossover. It has been around for a lot longer than most people think.

Q 3.

Yes I am sure it did encourage me to get into classical music - but I was equally interested in pop music then (1950s and 60s) so you can like both. The first real classical music i remember my mother playing is "Eine Kleine Nacht Musik" by Mozart in the 1950s and the first classical music I sought out for myself was Piano Concerto No. 1 by Tchaikovsky. I vividly remember accidentally stumbling across it on an old AM radio, complete with the usual interference, but I could not stop listening to it and thereafter I was "hooked on classical" as well as classical crossover.

Q.4.

Yes i think so, it did for me as explained in my answer above. But only a small percentage of young people will be bold enough to admit to liking it, even less for classical music as it seems to be widely seen as being "uncool". It's hardly ever heard on mainstream radio stations or on young persons' TV and until that alters, any changes will be slow I think. The UK is further ahead on this than most other countries, lots of Crossover albums get in the pop charts these days but it's still mostly older people who buy them. So it's a heavily qualified "yes" from me.

Cheers and good luck!

Dave

[richnorri]

Hello Lyndsey!

You've certainly set yourself a challenge here. I've found an article at Wikipedia that might help you, although it's about crossover music in general, not just classical crossover. Click HERE.

If you scroll down to the 'Top artists and albums' section you will see some familiar names, including Hayley Westenra and Josh Groban. ;D

I've always enjoyed a wide range of musical styles, including some real classical music, but I particularly like the style of today's classical crossover artists. My favourites are Hayley and All Angels, and they seem to appeal to all ages, including younger people.

Good luck with your research!

Best Wishes,

Richard