Fusion–the melding of disparate elements– has always appealed to me. There is fusion cuisine which blends traditional foods from varying cultures to invent a tasty new dish foods, and fusion music which blends differing styles or genre to make a new one.
There is something about marrying two seemingly opposing genres that seems so wrong, and yet when it is done well, the result is a harmonious pairing of two conflicting musical styles. Latin jazz. Hip hip and rock. World fusion. Rock and classical music. When one can make such a pairing work it seems effortless. Like magic. Here’s an example of this type of fusion: Lindsey Stirling is a violinist, however she incorporates a decidedly rock and roll edge in her style, and then throws in some dance, just because she can. The combination is pure magic.
As a reader and film viewer, I sometimes enjoy a film that blends two seemingly opposing genres with good effect. For instance, I enjoyed the movie Timer which blended science-fiction and a romantic dramedy (which in itself is a fusion of sorts).
What is your take on fusion cuisine and fusion music genres? Is there a book or movie you like that does a particularly good job of blending two genres?
I think this is truly an example of artists with creative bravery to think beyond the known paradigms and restrictions of “what is” to see what could be, then defy the skeptics. Not easy for any artist.
That violin vid was amazing– and she chose a fantastic setting.Very… uh… cool.
I love fusion, but only when it’s done well. You said it best here:
“There is something about marrying two seemingly opposing genres that seems so wrong, and yet when it is done well, the result is a harmonious pairing.”
I love when the blending of opposing elements seem so wrong but end up so right.