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| Symphonic rock | |
| Stylistic origins | |
|---|---|
| Cultural origins |
early 1970s, England
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| Typical instruments | |
| Mainstream popularity | western culture, 1970s |
| Fusion genres | |
| Symphonic metal | |
Symphonic rock is a subgenre of rock music, and more specifically, progressive rock. Since early in progressive rock's history, the term has been used sometimes to distinguish more classically influenced progressive rock from the more psychedelic and experimental offerings.
Symphonic rock is best described as the combining of rock and classical music traditions. Some artists perform rock arrangements of themes from classical music, or compose original pieces in classical composition structures. Others play with the accompaniment of a symphony orchestra or use a synthesizer to emulate orchestral instruments.
Note: Symphonic Rock is not the orchestral rendition of hit Rock and Pop songs by classical orchestras; these can be considered "classical arrangements of contemporary music". Unfortunately, these are marketed as "symphonic rock" by various outlets.
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Symphonic rock is best described as the combining of rock and classical music traditions.
Classical devices often employed in symphonic rock include the following:
According to critic Bruce Elder, "Back in 1970, it seemed as though any British group that could was starting to utilize classical elements in their work." As early as 1967, the Beatles' "A Day in the Life" incorporated significant orchestral passages. In the same year, The Moody Blues' Days of Future Passed, especially the popular single "Nights in White Satin", merged rock playing with orchestral accompaniment.
The 70s supergroup Yes produced a highly successful blend of classical, psychedelic, and progressive ensemble rock. Their approach was similar to classical music; each instrument played its own melodic lineto generate a grand musical theme. The words (vocals) in the songs were treated as just another instrument in the composition. This lead to long difficult passages and complicated simultaneous solos, including percussion. Only their considerable musical skills allowed them to "keep it together". Purists consider Yes as a 'Prog' band only, but several of their albums contain a lot of symphonic elements. [1]
Groups such as Emerson, Lake, and Palmer [and prior to them the Nice] performed classical compositions such as Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition with electric instrumentation, while others such as the Electric Light Orchestra played rock music with orchestral backing. Likewise, Jon Lord of the hard rock band Deep Purple wrote a Concerto for Group and Orchestra.
Certain neo-prog bands, such as Glass Hammer, Apocalypse, and Par Lindh Project, continue the traditions of 70's symphonic rock. However, symphonic rock has never been exclusive to progressive rock artists. In the late 1960s, The Who presented the first rock opera, and in the 1970s, many popular artists experimented with symphonic rock, such as Elton John, Joni Mitchell, Gino Vannelli and Stevie Wonder. Symphonic rock is often heard on movie and video game soundtracks.
Some of the best examples of a completely symphonic rock album are done by artists who are better known for other types of music.
Recording acts who make or have made prominent use of symphonic rock include:
2000s
90s
80s
70s
The significance of this is left as an exercise for the reader.
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