Topic: How do you feel about remixing classical music?

[Snik81]

I realize this might be a controversial one - but remixing classical music? How do you feel about it?

I am in the process of creating my first tune based off Massenet's Meditation from Thaïs, and I would really like your honest opinions. You can read about the process and listen to the latest draft on my sleep music site:

https://www.music-for-sleep.net/production/remixing-meditation-from-thais-by-massenet

Edit - you can access the song directly here:

https://soundcloud.com/user-589884951/messing-with-massenet-very-early-draft

It is a long story, but I needed sleep music for our baby - and my first thought was of course classical. However; I very quickly discovered that the great composers had a liking for crescendos and sudden sounds - even in the soft and slow works. So I decided to try to modify some works for sleeping. It is a task I apporach with the utmost respect, and I would like to hear what you guys think. Is it possible to do properly or are you getting angry listening to it?

Look forward to hearing from you!

[Daverz]

I can't sleep with music playing.  I use a fan as a white noise generator.

[71 dB]

For best sleep music I recommend new age music made for relaxation and better sleep. Something like this:

https://www.amazon.com/Star-Eyes-Soothing-Relaxation-Insomnia/dp/B005IVEVOW/ref=sr_1_1?crid=21FORZWF4ZB4N&keywords=new+age+sleep&qid=1653653090&s=music&sprefix=new+age+sleep%2Cmusic-intl-ship%2C160&sr=1-1

I use a fan as a white noise generator.

The noise fans generate is far from white. I'd say it is close to green noise.

[Mirror Image]

I used to sleep to music all the time. I had one of those portable speaker units that would allow me to hook up either a CD player, an MD player or an iPod. I would always go to sleep to something on the Windham Hill label like Will Ackerman. Something that wasn't intrusive and soothing. I would also play some Robert Fripp soundscape recordings.

[Snik81]

Hehe - I can see this discussion has drifted off somewhat - so no opinions on remixing of classical music?

But thanks for the input - useful stuff, seeing that I am running a webiste on sleep music.

I can't sleep with music playing.  I use a fan as a white noise generator.

I have an article on different styles of sleep music, but you just reminded me I need to include white/pink/brown noise even though it is not actually music - a lot of people seem to find it helpful in sleeping.

For best sleep music I recommend new age music made for relaxation and better sleep. Something like this:

https://www.amazon.com/Star-Eyes-Soothing-Relaxation-Insomnia/dp/B005IVEVOW/ref=sr_1_1?crid=21FORZWF4ZB4N&keywords=new+age+sleep&qid=1653653090&s=music&sprefix=new+age+sleep%2Cmusic-intl-ship%2C160&sr=1-1

The noise fans generate is far from white. I'd say it is close to green noise.

I wanted to listen to Star Eyes, but I couldn't find it on Spotify unfortunately.

I used to sleep to music all the time. I had one of those portable speaker units that would allow me to hook up either a CD player, an MD player or an iPod. I would always go to sleep to something on the Windham Hill label like Will Ackerman. Something that wasn't intrusive and soothing. I would also play some Robert Fripp soundscape recordings.

Will Ackerman is great - soothing and relaxing - thanks for the tip! Robert Fripp I found a bit too challenging for sleep purposes, but still very nice music:)

[steve ridgway]

Remixing classical music for a purpose such as this seems fine to me, it’s not the same as for example claiming you’ve improved it.

We also like the Cryosleep stream on our internet radio.

[relm1]

I'm not clear how you are defining mixing.  To me, mixing is a required part of post-production, but I have a feeling you mean creating a compilation of connected music?

[steve ridgway]

Remixing in the popular music sense means the production of a derivative work from portions of the original plus other material.

[Pizzicato-Polka]

Remixing in the popular music sense means the production of a derivative work from portions of the original plus other material.

I really like that when it's done as a cover of classical in another genre, for example a rock medley like A Last Illusion by Trans-Siberian Orchestra. If we're talking purely classical medleys/remixes, then that's neat too, even if I'd probably rather listen to the original pieces.

In the end, many composers did variations on themes of others, so why not!

[Snik81]

Thanks for the replies - sounds like you are generally positive to remixing, but I realize I have hidden my track too far down on my site - maybe easier with SoundCloud. Have a listen and let me know what you think about this:

https://soundcloud.com/user-589884951/messing-with-massenet-very-early-draft

This is a very early draft, and the track still need lots of work - I would appreciate any input - still very much open for suggestions.