Classical Composers' Pop/ Rock Counterparts

Franzanna

In retirement
Okay, I just came up with a silly activity where we work out classical composers' counterparts in the pop genres. These will be worked out by analysing the musical style, fan base or the personality (or all) of the composer and working out who in pop is their closest match. :)

Let's kick-start this mother with Ludwig van Beethoven - which artist is he most similar to?
 
VERY difficult question. As far as certain stylistic tendencies, I would go with either Jimi Hendrix or Led Zep. Both hard hitters. :thumb:
 
VERY difficult question. As far as certain stylistic tendencies, I would go with either Jimi Hendrix or Led Zep. Both hard hitters. :thumb:

I think I agree with you. Part of me wants to say The Cure too, big time mood music.
 
I love this idea, but it's tough. :thumb:

I honestly can't think of a pop artist who was anywhere near as innovative, sublime, and troubled a genius as Beethoven.

VERY difficult question. As far as certain stylistic tendencies, I would go with either Jimi Hendrix or Led Zep. Both hard hitters. :thumb:

Hendrix is a pretty good answer; who knows what he would have accomplished, had he lived.
 
I do not know why, but somehow, I can somehow see Shubert and especially his unfinished matching up well with Nick Cave.I could just be crazy, though.
 
Any ideas for Wagner? :p ( i always listen to Wagner when i want to feel a sense of power and self confidence)
 
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Some good responses. :thumb: I think that Beethoven's counterpart would have to be someone who is very famous, and yet not mainstream, so I think that Jimi Hendrix would be a good choice.

How about Dvorak? I tried listening to him once, but didn't really grip, so I don't know what to say.
 
Dvorak...He is not one of my favorites, but I'll get back to you on that one. I need some more coffee!
 
Dvorak...He is not one of my favorites, but I'll get back to you on that one. I need some more coffee!

Yeah, listening to him didn't really do much for me. My aunt reckoned I'd like him because I like The Smiths and Joy Division, but I'm reluctant to put one of them as being him. :p
 
I agree. He's the one composer I listen to when I want to feel powerful! :thumb:

:thumb:

I always think the prelude to Act 2 of "Walküre" is particularly powerful.

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:thumb:

I always think the prelude to Act 2 of "Walküre" is particularly powerful.

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You read my mind! What other composers do you like? I listen to Bach for clarity and Brahms 1st Symphony for its bittersweet feel.
 
You read my mind! What other composers do you like? I listen to Bach for clarity and Brahms 1st Symphony for its bittersweet feel.

I'm a Sibelius nut. Also, Schubert Lieder, Richard Strauss, Mahler, Elgar, Bax, Britten, Berg, Messiaen, Puccini, Brahms, an endless list, really..
 
I'm a Sibelius nut. Also, Schubert Lieder, Richard Strauss, Mahler, Elgar, Bax, Britten, Berg, Messiaen, Puccini, Brahms, an endless list, really..

I'm impressed :thumb: Glad to know there are other classical music aficionados here!
 
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