Bach, Beethoven, and . . . Billy?: Classical Turns Pop
1-Time Lecture | Available
Avid listeners of Western Art Music may be unaware that popular music composers, including Barry Manilow, Eric Carmen, Sting, and Billy Joel, not only used classical music as a means of inspiration, but often copied specific works of classical masters. What is even more surprising is that many of these songs have become remarkable "hits" in popular music – some reaching #1 in the pop charts! What classical composers provided such inspiration? And why (or how) did the pop musician adapt such works? Come join Dr. Cimarusti as we explore how Bach, Beethoven, and others have been immortalized in popular music culture!
- Please note that this session starts already at 10 a.m.!
Thomas Cimarusti
Dr. Thomas M. Cimarusti is a Professor of Music History at Florida Gulf Coast University. He has lectured at various campuses across the country including Florida State University, Utah Valley University, and Texas Tech University.
With an interest in 18th- and 19th-century music, Dr. Cimarusti has presented his research at conferences in Asia, Europe, and the USA on topics concerning Mozart, Beethoven, Italian opera, and chamber music.
In 2018 he founded the Naples Center for Public Musicology, an organization which promotes community engagement through public lectures at retirement communities, Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes, Artis-Naples, Opera Naples, and other community organizations.
His current research interest concerns the musical culture of the Koreshan Unity.