What does pop owe to classical music? | So, Hear Me Out

2025-11-25

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In this episode, we find Beethoven in hip-hop and Chopin in pop. We're diving into how modern music channels the classics, starting with Linton, who unpacks Nas’s hip-hop anthem ‘I Can’ and its iconic 'Für Elise' sample.And then Gillian traces the transformation of Chopin's Prelude No. 20 into Barry Manilow’s soaring pop sensation, 'Could It Be Magic?'Episode highlights:00:00 Introduction00:47 Pop music's classical roots02:33 Personal musical journeys05:10 Classical inspirations in Pop06:21 Nas and Beethoven19:24 Chopin's Influence on Barry ...

In this episode, we find Beethoven in hip-hop and Chopin in pop.

We're diving into how modern music channels the classics, starting with Linton, who unpacks Nas’s hip-hop anthem ‘I Can’ and its iconic 'Für Elise' sample.

And then Gillian traces the transformation of Chopin's Prelude No. 20 into Barry Manilow’s soaring pop sensation, 'Could It Be Magic?'

Episode highlights:

00:00 Introduction

00:47 Pop music's classical roots

02:33 Personal musical journeys

05:10 Classical inspirations in Pop

06:21 Nas and Beethoven

19:24 Chopin's Influence on Barry Manilow’s ‘Could it be Magic?’

33:27 Conclusion and final thoughts

Featured music:

Nas' I Can (2002)

Barry Manilow's Could It Be Magic? (1971)