Classical and pop joined together

[Amy B.]

I'm really impressed with this new Tori Amos release, Night of Hunters, released on a classical label. She took some classical works and put words to the melodies or in some cases composed variations--all to create a song cycle. As a former child prodigy, she has the musician chops to perform it live with strings (it really gets going around the 4 minute mark, but it's all beautiful):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BwOx0oA9rE4

[JK]

For some reason Ms Amos doesn't get to me. All a matter of taste, I suppose. Someone who is getting to me more and more these days is Kate Bush, and I think she fits your topic title equally well.  Just an observation (rather than a comparison). :=)  

 

[Amy B.]

For some reason Ms Amos doesn't get to me. All a matter of taste, I suppose. Someone who is getting to me more and more these days is Kate Bush, and I think she fits your topic title equally well.  Just an observation. :=)   

Tori is definitely not everyone's cup of tea. And this album is particular touches on Celtic mythology, includes chamber music, has a story line to follow, etc. But for fans, it's one of her best works. Her projects don't always work, but I'm so pleased she continues to explore new ideas after almost 20 years of making albums.
 I do know that she and a lot of her fans get sick of the Kate Bush comparisons. :-)

[hypehat]

That song was alright, besides dodgy live video quality! I'm not really familiar with Tori, tho.

Maybe Joanna Newsom's Ys fits the bill of a pop/classical format.

It's a hard bill to find, given that most pop stars claim 'classical influences' by slapping an orchestra on or welding songs together. VDP's Song Cycle is an obvious one. Gad, it's hard.