Jon Batiste's 2024 album, "Beethoven Blues," has been met with criticism for its departure from classical music. Batiste argues that classical music is rigid and restricts the use of improvisation in its sacred spaces. He argues that Bach was one of the world's greatest improvisers and that improvisers of this caliber could often embellish something on the fly. He credits bad gatekeepers in the classical music community for preventing such creativity. With his open mind and big ears, Batiste is set to collaborate with the Boston Pops next week. His next project, "Black Mozart," follows up with a performance with jazz saxophonist Branford Marsalis and keyboardist Melvin Seals.