What is a musical rendition and how is it presented?

What is a musical rendition and how is it presented?

A musical rendition is a performance or interpretation of a piece of music that differs from the original arrangement. This is not to be confused with a “cover version” which refers to a new song recording performed by a different artist. Simply put, a cover song is a remake or revival, while a musical rendition is a new way of performing a song, poem, or piece of music.

The popularity of musical renditions can be attributed to many things. For starters, it allows artists to express themselves and share their personal interpretation of a piece of music. There are several different ways to create a musical rendition, from playing the music live, to recording in a studio, writing a new piece of music, and more.

The presentation of a musical rendition can also vary to a great degree. Classical music can be arranged in a new format such as pop or rock music, and vice versa. An example of this would be the “classical pop” music genre which refers to easy listening inspired by classical music.

Continue reading to learn why you should use musical renditions in your creations and what to be aware of when it comes to music licensing and royalties. We’ve also provided examples of musical renditions available to you in Artlist.

Examples of music renditions in popular shows

You may be surprised at how many popular shows use music renditions. For example, the Netflix series, Bridgerton features many musical renditions. One of my personal favorites used by the series is “How Deep Is Your Love,” by Calvin Harris & Disciples. The original version of this song, considered “Deep House,” is transformed into an instrumental cover capturing an intimate love scene.

Other well-known TV shows that incorporate music renditions include Daisy Jones & the Six (Prime Video), Glee, Smash, and Nashville. Music renditions are also used in many film adaptations of stage musicals such as Mamma Mia, and Moulin Rouge.

Copyright, music licensing, and royalties in musical renditions

Before adding a musical rendition to your video project or any other creation, it’s important to understand how music licensing and copyright laws work.

In order for a song to be copyright-protected, it must be an original and a music license ensures that the original owner of the music is compensated when their work is used. This is for the artist’s protection, and payment can be either in the form of a flat fee or royalties (a set rate paid anytime a song is sold or streamed).

Violations of copyright laws and copyright infringement are taken very seriously and penalties can be quite costly. That’s why it’s important to make sure that you’re using royalty-free music in your projects.

Why use musical renditions in your creations

There are many reasons why you should use musical renditions in your creations. Firstly, it’s a great way to show your personal style and express yourself. Whether you’re promoting your own music or someone else’s, it can greatly increase exposure.

A musical rendition allows an artist to share their personal interpretation of a song with others. When you use them in your creations, it can help set the tone and mood for your videos. Music has an incredible way of connecting to an audience and can really take a project to the next level.

Creators can easily use royalty-free music by simply paying for a one-time license. We’ve provided several examples of musical renditions that you can use in Artlist in the next section.

Examples of musical renditions in Artlist

You’ll find many classical renditions of popular music and classical covers of pop songs in the Artlist Classics collection. The following are examples of some of those musical renditions available to you in Artlist. We’ve also provided information about each title, and ideas on how you can use them in your video projects and creations:

Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy

 

This music rendition by T. Bless & the Professionals (original by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky), is the perfect accompaniment for your lighthearted holiday project. It’s upbeat and playful and incorporates piano, drums, bells, and keys. This jazz track slowly reaches a crescendo and intensifies—making it ideal for a video scene that is building up to a main action or event.

Waltz of the Flowers

This rendition of the classic by Ace provides a rock twist to the original song by Tchaikovsky. The use of the electric guitar and acoustic drums creates a powerful mood and would be a great fit for a sports-themed video or even a sprawling landscape.

Swan Lake

Kashido’s version of the beloved Swan Lake by Tchaikovsky is definitely unique. The electronic sounds from the synthesizer and drums bring a playful, gaming vibe to the song. This track could be used to accompany a video game scene or even a scavenger hunt or exploration.

Ode to Joy

This Ludwig van Beethoven classic, also by Kashido, is childlike and whimsical. The bells bring a peaceful sound, and one might envision children playing with toys. With its winding keys, this song could also be used to show nature or a landscape.

Swinging Jingle Bells

Also by T. Bless & the Professionals, this royalty-free Christmas music piece is very carefree and uplifting. The combination of piano and percussion sets the tone for an exciting holiday event. This playful version of Jingle Bells would match up quite well with a video of Christmas tree shopping and decorating.

Now that you’ve learned all about musical renditions, we hope you’ll be able to successfully incorporate them into your projects. Personal expression goes a long way, so have fun, and enjoy creating!