Have you ever heard a classical piece completely transformed into a high-energy rock guitar performance? Latvia-born guitarist Laura Lace has done exactly that with her incredible cover of “Canon Rock,” originally arranged by Taiwanese guitarist JerryC.
“Canon Rock” itself takes Johann Pachelbel’s famous Baroque composition Canon in D and turns it into an electrifying rock anthem — a version that has inspired guitar players around the world since JerryC first shared it online in the mid-2000s.
Laura Lace’s performance, uploaded in 2016, elevated the arrangement to a whole new level and quickly became a viral hit. Her version has amassed over 150 million views on YouTube, a staggering number for a guitar cover, showing just how much her skill and passion resonated with listeners.
What makes her rendition so special is not just her technical mastery — lightning-fast picking, precise timing, and flawless fretwork — but also the emotion and energy she brings to the stage. The performance was recorded live at a concert organized by her guitar teacher, with a full band including bass and drums supporting her powerful lead guitar.
Fans around the world have praised Laura Lace for making the guitar “sing” and breathing new life into a piece that blends classical roots with rock intensity.
Antonio Vivaldi’s “Summer – Presto” from The Four Seasons is one of the most intense and dramatic pieces of classical music ever written, and it has become a favorite choice for electric guitar covers. Originally composed in 1725, the fast and furious Presto movement is meant to represent a violent summer storm, filled with thunder, lightning, and chaos. These elements translate perfectly to guitar, where rapid picking, sharp runs, and aggressive rhythms capture the piece’s wild energy.
In guitar covers, musicians often replace the original violin parts with blazing solos, using distortion and speed to amplify the drama while staying true to Vivaldi’s original melody. Many guitarists also add modern rock or metal elements, blending classical precision with raw power. This fusion makes “Summer – Presto” especially exciting for both classical music fans and rock audiences, proving that a 300-year-old composition can still feel thrilling, modern, and powerful when reimagined on guitar.
