Crossover Goes Barbie: Classical Musicians Embrace the Iconic Doll’s Soundtrack

2023 brought us a blockbuster movie that combined classic nostalgia for the beloved Barbie doll with a comedic and heartwarming storyline. But it’s not just the film that’s been taking the world by storm; the soundtrack has been blowing up too! From popular songs to original tracks, the “Barbie” soundtrack is a musical sensation that’s impossible to ignore. Blending the old and new has always been a winning formula for classical crossover and this is one of the most fun themes to apply it to.

“Barbie Girl”

 

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A post shared by WENDY LAW (@cellistwendylaw)

Although only featured in remix form at the ending credits, “Barbie Girl” originally from Danish-Norwegian group Aqua is one of the songs most connected with the franchise. Wendy Law, a renowned cellist, has created an entire series of clips for social media playing the piece in the style of different classical composer. Josep Castanyer Alonso has a million views on YouTube for doing the same.

Pianist, Melissa Harrison released her own cover of “Barbie Girl” to Spotify.

Former Britain’s Got Talent contestant, Leah Barniville joined seven other young women for a “Barbie Girl Special” with the Ivory Sessions Online.

“I’m Just Ken”

Slightly less covered is Ryan Gosling’s comically anguished new anthem written by Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt. Youtube Creator “That Classical Composer” put together a rendition as if the song was written as a symphony.

“What Was I Made For”

@ellenwilliamssoprano Cleaning silver, but make it indulgent! I love this song, somehow its perfect for the #barbiemovie and still so Billie at the same time. “What Was I Made For?” from the #Barbie movie 🎵 #classicalsinger #classicalcrossover ♬ What Was I Made For? [From The Motion Picture “Barbie”] – Billie Eilish

With it’s haunting melody this new Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell hit was among the most covered. Ellen Williams posted a click of her casually singing it while polishing silver (who sounds this good doing everyday tasks?!) while Irish singer Emer Barry fully committed to releasing the song as a single and creating a music video to accompany it.

Married coupe Marnie and Patrick Laird who make up the Brooklyn Duo also played a rendition on piano and cello.

Composer Rusanda Panfili professional violinist and composer also posted her own take.

While some purists may shake their heads at viral trends in crossover music, there’s something undeniably enjoyable about artists who don’t take themselves too seriously. The “Barbie” soundtrack has embraced the whimsical spirit of the beloved doll and the film itself.  It’s been the feel-good film of the year so far, and the music has played no small part in that. So, let’s celebrate the joy, the nostalgia, and the infectious tunes that “Barbie” has brought into our lives in 2023!

Natasha Barbieri, Editor

Editor

Creator of Classical Crossover Magazine. For Natasha music has always been closely tied to her faith. At age 18, Natasha made her opera debut playing the part of the mother in Menotti’s ‘Amahl and the Night Visitors’ with the Eastern Festival Opera. At 20, she was a winner of the 2011 Young Artist Competition at Andrews University. Natasha graduated in 2012 with a Bachelor’s of Music. Natasha has released a series of Holiday singles “A Place Called Home” (2020), “One Little Boy,” and “The Perfect Year” (2021). In 2021, she was nominated for the ‘Future Classic Women Awards’ show on Men’s & Women’s Radio Station. Natasha is the creator and editor of ‘Classical Crossover Magazine’ a venture that has allowed her to interview many of the top stars in the genre including Sarah Brightman, Celtic Woman, Mirusia, Paul Potts, and more. During the covid-19 pandemic, she created an online concert series for the magazine that has seen her perform in the same line-up as Alex Sharpe, Lucy Kay, Barbara Padilla, Classical Reflection, and more on the virtual stage. In 2022, Natasha was included on the charity album “Stars of Classical Crossover: Christmas” in benefit of the Wallace & Gromit Children’s Charity.