The alternative Hall of Fame

We're giving you a sneak preview of a few of our favourite pieces from the Classic FM Hall of Fame 2014 - as seen through the eyes of these amazing video cover versions.

Beethoven - Piano Sonata No. 14 ('Moonlight')

If you thought the piano version of Beethoven's popular sonata was virtuosic, hold on to your hats for this incredible Beethoven guitar solo. The 'Moonlight' sonata made it to No. 41 in 2013; where will it chart this year? (And, more to the point, how does this guy keep his hair out of the way of his lightning-speed fingers?)

 

Orff - O Fortuna from Carmina Burana

What's all this about 'tuna'? Introducing the ultimate misheard lyrics video, featuring gophers, cookies, and a slice of lovely cake. This version of Carl Orff's masterpiece has to be seen to be believed. And with more than 4 million views on YouTube, it's not surprising the piece has made it into every Hall of Fame since 1996.

 

Pachelbel - Canon

If you're a cellist, you've probably grimaced your way through Pachelbel's enduring one hit wonder at weddings, prize-givings, funerals, parties, and everywhere in between. What can we say, it's a popular piece - No. 18 in the 2013 Hall of Fame chart, in fact - but if you've heard the original just a *few* too many times, watch with glee as these multi-tracked cellos crash a nuptial celebration with a more percussive version.

 

Barber - Adagio for Strings

There's only one way to make this ultimate classical tear-jerker any more poignant - pack it full of cellos, of course! Packing quite the emotional punch, Barber's masterpiece made it to No. 6 in the 2000 Hall of Fame chart, but has never quite repeated this success... Sob.

 

Debussy - Clair de Lune from Suite Bergamasque

Sublime piano music, accompanied by a blissful animated scene. Google surpassed themselves with their Romantically inspired 'Google Doodle' on the French composer's 151st birthday in 2013. It's perhaps no surprise this piece reached No. 67 in the 2013 chart; can Debussy repeat his success without Google's help in 2014?

 

Vivaldi - Four Seasons

What happens when you're busking on the tube and someone's taken your spot? You duet a Vivaldi masterpiece with a stranger, obvously. Watch as these two musicians make the best of a bad situation as they blast out this Baroque classic across the platform.

 

Tchaikovsky - Nutcracker

We all love a good classical flash mob. There's nothing like bumping into a random violinist in a shopping mall, or having a tuba player surprise you while you're at the bank - but this version of Tchaikovsky's Waltz of the Flowers (complete with dancers) is bound to warm your cockles.

All these pieces (in their original version!) are featured on the Classic FM Hall of Fame album 2014. Find out where each piece has charted by tuning in from 9am on Good Friday, 18 April 2014 until 9pm on Easter Monday, 21 April, and following along online here.

How to Listen