Rock operas that never were
If you've read any recent criticism of classical music, you probably have heard the lamentation that the traditional form of the genre is in trouble (in the west, that is; a recent New Yorker article points out that classical music is thriving in China). But this doesn't mean that people aren't doing interesting classical-based things with music.
I've written about them for the paper before, but local string quartet Ethel combines just about every genre to come up with a really cool sound. Listen.
And now East Village Opera Company is working on a project where they reimagine great arias as rock operas. It's pretty awesome, especially if you're familiar with the originals. Their "La donna e mobile" (done in a Queen-reminiscent style with a mid-eastern beat) made me laugh out loud. I'm not sure what this means about me. (Yes I am; It means I'm a dork.)
You can hear a couple of selections on their MySpace page.
If that's too much new for you, here's a more traditional version of the Habanera from Carmen, done by an orange.
eh.www.amNY.com
