When we think of classical music, we tend to immediately think of dead composers like Bach, Mozart and Beethoven. But classical music is very much alive though it has changed with the times. While music written in the 18th to early 19th centuries technically fits into the textbook definition of classical music, the broader genre of orchestral, chamber and instrumental art music has never stopped evolving. Indeed, classical music of the past continues to shape modern styles. You may not notice it, but bits of Mozart or Bach can be heard in pop, electronic, jazz and film music.
Modern composers can tap the vast repertoire of past music to write their own compositions. They also have the luxury of employing modern technology such as synthesizers and virtual studio technology to create rich sonic landscapes that go beyond the limitations of traditional orchestration. One needs to look no further than a few highly celebrated composers like Philip Glass, Max Ritcher and Ludovico Einaudi or film composers like Howard Shore (of the Lord of the Rings Trilogy fame), Hans Zimmer (Gladiator), John Williams (Star Wars and Schinder’s List) or Ennio Morricone (The Mission). The list goes on.
Today I like to share two modern pieces of music that have classical overtones. The first piece is the score for Chariots of Fire (1981), a touching film based on the true story of two British track athletes who competed in the 1924 Summer Olympics in Paris. Greek electronic musician Vangelis (Vangelis Papathanassiou) composed the theme which won the Academy Award for Best Original Score. Here is the theme from Chariots of Fire, performed live in 2021.
The next piece is a recent work by Chilean-American composer Matias Urzua. Based in the San Francisco Bay area, Urzua is drawn to music as a way of building worlds and storytelling. His music blends cinematic motifs with ambient textures, subtle Latin influences and sound design, reflecting his background as a recording engineer for over a decade. Here is Young October by Matias Urzua, performed by the Budapest Scoring Orchestra.