Review: Cassandra's ‘Carmen’ - A Bold Commercial Classic Crossover Redefining Female Empowerment
- Callie
- Sep 18, 2024
- 2 min read
Rising pop star and classically trained opera singer Cassandra makes a bold statement with her latest single, Carmen, a dazzling commercial classic crossover track that reimagines the iconic opera character in a modern, empowering light. Combining her extraordinary vocal prowess with contemporary pop elements, Cassandra delivers a unique blend of Popera, reshaping the narrative of female independence.
Drawing inspiration from Bizet’s legendary opera, Carmen, Cassandra's song flips the character’s traditionally scandalous reputation by celebrating autonomy and desire on a woman's own terms. With lyrics like “Sorry I’m so pretty / It was a mistake / I let you lick the frosting / You want the whole cake,” she reclaims Carmen’s strength, portraying a woman who embraces her power without needing validation.
“In the opera, Carmen is seen as scandalous for being independent,” Cassandra explains. “My song, 'Carmen,' takes some of that power back. After all, it’s really powerful when a woman knows she can WANT a man but never NEEDS one.”
Following her hit Popera track Queen of Every Night, Cassandra’s latest release further solidifies her as a pioneer in the commercial classic crossover genre. She skillfully marries opera with modern pop to create a sound that bridges two worlds, similar to how Sarah Brightman effortlessly blends classical and contemporary styles. Like Brightman, Cassandra’s Carmen shows her ability to bring operatic depth into mainstream appeal, reaching both pop and classical audiences alike.
Likewise, Lindsey Stirling’s ability to fuse classical music with modern beats resonates with Cassandra’s innovative approach. Both artists push genre boundaries, with Stirling’s classical-meets-electronic violin compositions paralleling Cassandra’s mastery in weaving operatic influences into catchy pop tunes.
Cassandra’s impressive background, with degrees from the New England Conservatory of Music and Berklee College of Music, and her near 500K Spotify streams, further enhances her credibility as a standout artist. Currently performing in Carmen with the Nashville Opera and set to join the Steamboat Symphony for a Christmas show in December, Cassandra is proving her versatility and staying power.
Her latest track Carmen stands as a fresh take on a classical character, delivered through a commercial classic crossover style, celebrating empowerment and autonomy. Cassandra’s bold blend of genres creates a musical experience that’s both timeless and cutting-edge, showcasing her as an artist unafraid to push the boundaries of Popera.
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