The violinists Eddy Chen and Brett Yang recently embarked on a rather unconventional journey to the suburbs of Bangkok. Their mission was filled with a touch of mischief as they set out to record hip-hop videos that reimagined the great composers like Beethoven, Bach, and others as if they were alive in the present day.

Unleashing Humor in the World of Classical Music

Chen's Beethoven Persona

Dressed as Beethoven with a gray wig and crimson scarf, Chen rapped in one video, "They called me calloused, called me unfeeling. Can't let them know what I am concealing." This portrayal showed a different side of the classical composer, adding a modern and humorous twist.

It was a creative way to engage with the audience and make them see classical music in a new light. Through such videos, Chen and Yang were able to bridge the gap between the old and the new, attracting a wider fan base.

Yang's Shostakovich Look

Brett Yang, in his Shostakovich attire, was part of this unique venture. Their combined efforts created a sense of excitement and curiosity among music lovers.

They didn't just perform the classical compositions but transformed them into something that resonated with the younger generation. This approach helped in bringing classical music closer to people who might otherwise have been intimidated by it.

Comedy in the Classical Music World

Chen and Yang have been known for their humor and whimsy in the often very serious world of classical music. Over the past 11 years, they have truly galvanized a younger generation of musicians.

They have performed Pachelbel's Canon in D with rubber chickens, hosting wild composer-themed games of charades. These skits not only entertained but also helped in dispelling the stuffy image that classical music often had.

Collaborations with Classical Music Stars

Some of classical music's biggest names have joined in on the fun. Hilary Hahn joined Chen and Yang to perform Paganini caprices while hula-hooping. Ray Chen played a game where he and the duo imitated violinists like Jascha Heifetz and Anne-Sophie Mutter.

These collaborations added a star power to their shows and further enhanced their popularity. It showed that classical music could be fun and accessible to everyone, regardless of their age or background.