Lighting, Light Fixtures, Ceiling and Exhaust Fans - Converting Fluorescent Lighting to Recessed

I am presently doing my basement. I am now at the ceiling stage. I am about to drop my ceiling using 2"x2" across the joists in order to bypass some pipes. I am using 1/2" drywall sheets. It now occurs to me that there will be sufficient depth to leave the two 4' fluorescent lighting in place (sitting on beams), converting them to recessed lighting. I know that track lighting is one other consideration, but since I already have the fluorescent lights and I my family like extra bright lights, I will leave them, accentuating with standing lamps. Here is the question. I would like the fluorescent lights to have the drop-ceiling look from between the furring strips. If I go with a 2'x4' opening how can I finish the drywall ? BTW I am not too much in favor of a 2'x4' opening as wide-openings means that the sound barrier created by the ceiling to the upper floor is weakened. Any thoughts ?
Thanks,
Luis

It might be too late for this, but there are special fixtures with plaster frames made for exactly your application. They're called "flange fixtures", and the flange is an option for just about anybody's drop-in fluorescent fixture.

An electrical wholesale house will understand what you are looking for, and I saw some at Home Depot last week - something new for them.