Classical Electronica

[jwoodcould]

I have a taste for Electronica that replicates Classical music using modern synths.

One of my particular favorites is DJ Tiesto's adaptation of "Adagio for Strings."

Does anyone have any thoughts on this genre or suggestions for me?

 

[maelstrom]

That is exactly the direction I'm planning to head as a composer! (I'm writing books now but hope to invest in music equipment within a few years.) I've always thought that modern synthesizer technology should be used for artful, deep complex music, rather than the annoying, repetitive dance/techno.

I wish I could recommend some artists to you, but there don't seem to be many who do it! You can probably find a few if you search. I think in the future, electronic music based on classical style will become a big hit, but its time hasn't come yet.

Personally I prefer Romantic era music--I think I'll start by setting some of Rachmaninoff's orchestral music to synthesizer. Then that experience will help me get the creative juices flowing so I can make my own electronic symphonies.

 

[willard3]

I'm such a music geek...when you said "classical electronica", I immediately thought "Edgard Varese!"

But no.

I do like techno remixes and such. Dance Dance Revolution has several cool things. "Kakumei" is a remix of some Chopin tune (forget the name); "Classic Party Triathlon" is a medley of popular tunes (Hallelujah chorus, New World Symphony, William Tell, etc.)...

 

[WingsOfTheNeophyte]

Odamn, sounds quite cool, are there any artists who do this apart from tiesto?

 

[stonetoflesh]

That is exactly the direction I'm planning to head as a composer! (I'm writing books now but hope to invest in music equipment within a few years.) I've always thought that modern synthesizer technology should be used for artful, deep complex music, rather than the annoying, repetitive dance/techno.

Synthesizer technology is used for a lot more than just dance music. If you're looking for artful, deep, complex electronic music, check out works by Morton Subotnick, Iannis Xenakis, John Chowning, Karlheinz Stockhausen, Edgard Varese, et al.

OP: Walter/Wendy Carlos and Isao Tomita come readily to mind; they were both active and popular in the 60s and 70s. I haven't kept up with more recent classical note-for-note adaptations, since the novelty has worn off... I do still enjoy a lot of classically-influenced stuff (sequencers notwithstanding) by the "Berlin school" of the 1970s - Klaus Schulze, Tangerine Dream, Michael Hoenig, etc.

 

[Sunburst]

Now this stuff I like!

 

[DreamboatAnnie]

what exactly is electonica? I do love Adagio for strings but by someone else.It is a beautiful piece,agree.

 

[willard3]

what exactly is electonica? I do love Adagio for strings but by someone else.It is a beautiful piece,agree.

Several people wrote Adagios for strings, but probably the more famous one (and probably the one you mentioned) is by Samuel Barber.

 

[ralphSpoilsport]

Wendy Carlos still does the trick for me.

I actually saw her live on stage (circa 1997) accompanied by half a dozen keyboardists all playing synthesizers. They performed Switched-On Bach-the whole album! It was her first and only live performance ever!

Another album I really enjoy is "Bach/Handel 300" by Graziano Mandozzi.

Does anyone remember "Everything You've Always Wanted to Hear on the Moog"? It came out in the early 70's during the "switched on" wave.