Popsicals: Pop Music Inspired by Classical Pieces

Do you ever listen to music on the radio and get surprised by how familiar it sounds? Many famous songs are inspired by classical music! Musicians find inspiration everywhere, from sounds they hear in everyday life, to paintings, or even certain smells. Even music can inspire a new composition! Here are a few songs that might sound familiar to you and what classical pieces inspired its creation. Have you heard any of these songs?

Memories by Maroon 5 & Canon in D by Pachelbel

Wondering why Memories by Maroon 5 sounds so similar? Along with many other pop songs, Pachelbel’s Canon in D has inspired this tune.

Alejandro by Lady Gaga & Csárdás by Vittorio Monti

For the intro of the single, ‘Alejandro’, you begin to hear a violin piece playing and you can’t help but notice its familiarity. This is because Italian composer, Vittorio Monti, and his piece, Csárdás, influenced the creation of Lady Gaga’s song.

Fantasy by VIXX & Moonlight Sonata by Beethoven

If you’ve heard of the K-pop group, VIXX, you may have listened to the song ‘Fantasy’. Did you know the boy band used Beethoven’s ‘Moonlight Sonata’ to create a dark and conceptual mood for their song?

LoLa & Hauser – Moonlight Sonata

Dangerous by David Guetta ft. Sam Martin & Symphony No.2 ‘Under the Trees’ – 4th Movement by Ezio Bosso

Surprisingly, this House EDM song is also inspired by a classical piece. ‘Dangerous’ is a famous song from 2014 with a classical intro that sounds a little too similar to Symphony No.2 ‘Under the Trees’ by Ezio Bosso.

Blue by ZAYN & Prelude No.1 in C Major by Bach

Lastly, One Direction member, Zayn, has also been influenced by the sounds of classical music. His debut album, “Mind of Mine”, includes ‘Blue’; a slow song driven by a classical melody that shows off his vocals as a solo artist and is based on the work of Bach.