DJChris Classical Concert Mix

One of the most interesting DJ gigs I have had was when I was invited to perform with the New Japan Philharmonic Orchestra in a concert hall in Tokyo. Three DJs were asked to perform live, mixing whatever they chose together with the orchestra. I cannot remember the names of the other two DJs at the moment, but the three classical pieces chosen were a Satie "Gymnopedie", Ravel's "Pavanne Pur Une Enfante Defunte" and, in my case, the prelude to Wagner's opera "Parsifal".  I'll post that track later.

I was asked to do a DJ mix during the intermission,  which lasted for about 50 minutes.  I chose pieces of electronica which I thought might appeal to people who appreciated classical music, namely works of interestingly complex polyphony or harmony.  I also mixed in quite a few samples and extended pieces from the classical repertoire. The resultant mix includes pieces by Gurdjieff, Alquimia, The Irresistible Force, Future Sound of London, Monteverdi, Richard Strauss, Pete Namlook and Beethoven,among others.

Among the more successful blends, in my opinion, were the Monteverdi soprano duet "Venite, venite" over a rolling piece whose name I have forgotten, and the final mix of Namlook's "Silence" with the slow movement of Beethoven's last string quartet.  The Schwarzkopf sample from Strauss' "Morgen" works pretty well too, I think.

See how you like it. I recommend a fairly high volume, as some of the pieces project a vast soundscape.....