am i just crazy, or would it be feasible to get a string quartet together with a metal/hardcore/insudtrial band, and a harpsichord, and other fun stuff, creating a truly funky band? I've been thinking ALOT about it lately, and i am also thinking of taking violin and keyboard back up...right. in hindsight, this is rather pointless.

like apocalyptica?

is that the orchestra that rocked out with Metallica? There is a band in LA called W.A.C.O (Wild Acoustic Chamber Orchestra) that has taken that apporach. They have a somewhat punk background, yet the leader and a few of the other 10 people involved have classical training.

actually, yeah! very much like apocalyptica! (patrick, they're a finnish group that has an album of metallica songs done on string instruments) only, i would also have the guitars etc. included. are most classical peices like, open for anyone to use or play? are they liscensed? i would like to perhaps take some classical peices (bach, mendelsshon) and add in new parts or modify the currently existing bits for vocals, synth, and guitar i'll definitely look into WACO thanks

For some fun 70's nostalgia, check out Steeleye Span, a british group that mixed traditional and electric instruments on folk songs with great results.

i used to have some steeleye span records back when i first started college. i really liked them, as i recall.

i have some cello music which i haven't listened to in a while that might make some crushingly heavy metal. it's by a composer named kodaly. i remember it as being very brooding and dirgy. i might just listen to it right now to see if my memory is accurate.

Anyone remember E.L.O.?

sure. i used to hang out w/ this insane egyptian bulldyke who would blast ELO while driving me endlessly around town in her sports car. she didn't know how to drive but that was half the fun...in addition to the nonstop joy of getting my eardrums blasted out w/ "don't bring me down".

I always thought Steeleye Span was a tribute band for Steely Dan. No, not really. Never checked them out. Will do though, sounds interesting. Z, most classical pieces are in the public domain, meaning you can play them in public without paying royalties to anyone.

Check out Rasputina, Z-man.

I like listening to Steeleye Span and Steely Dan mixed together on random play. It's a trip hearing that laid back lounge jazz mized with folk tunes played on distorted electric guitar.