Symphonic Prog Appreciation Thread
Printed From: Progarchives.com
Category: Progressive Music Lounges
Forum Name: Prog Bands, Artists and Genres Appreciation
Forum Description: Discuss specific prog bands and their members or a specific sub-genre
URL: http://www.progarchives.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=125569
Printed Date: December 04 2024 at 19:49
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Topic: Symphonic Prog Appreciation Thread
Posted By: Hrychu
Subject: Symphonic Prog Appreciation Thread
Date Posted: February 22 2021 at 12:03
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Hello there! The last Symphonic Prog Appreciation thread is locked and kinda dead now so I decided to make a new one. This is for all of us Symphonic Prog lovers! 💕 🎼 I can't even describe how much I love this subgenre. There's a little bit of not quite essential albums labeled as Symphonic Prog over here at PA but the majority at least from the ones I've heard are of top quality! In addition to that it seems Symphonic Prog checks almost all the boxes of what I expect to enjoy out of prog in general. The keyboard tones Symph artists tend to utilize, from the liquid acidic piercing minimoog leads to the swarming tapey Mellotron washes to the bubbly spinning hammond chops are soooo goooood. Analog, or digital. 70s or modern. Guitar centric? Guitarless? I don't really care. I think that's the first thing that pops out that really makes the music so... Symphonic. The classical style compositional techniques are amazing as well but I'm no expert on classical music so I don't think I can go in a huge detail about that. My favorite essential Symphonic Prog bands as of February 2021: Yes the sheer elegance and beauty of what I consider THE archetype of symph. prog. The Flower Kings Stunning modern take on the 70s sound with mesmerizing guitar work and flawless arrangements full of quirky flavors and tasteful touches courtesty of Roine and company! ELP Legendary organ solos, over the top sound, amazing drumming, perfect triocentric arrangements. There is a kind of "crude humpor" thing to the sound of ELP but that's what makes them unique. early Spock's Beard/Neal Morse Band/Transatlantic (to some point) And other projects which feature Neal Morse at the primary composer/arranger. They just roar: "EPIC!" There's a kinda formal thing to the sound those projects represent. The music is very angular and blocky but thanks to the classicistic embelishments, the simple hooks really shine and entertain! And the simplicity is what makes these hooks so catchy, at least for prog standards. xD And here are the non-essential bands that I love equally as much: Anyone's Daughter 70s Kaipa Simon Says Triumvirat ------------- “On the day of my creation, I fell in love with education. And overcoming all frustration, a teacher I became.” — Ernest Vong |
Replies:
Posted By: JD
Date Posted: February 22 2021 at 12:10
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What are you looking at me for... I agree 100% ! Add the Moody Blues, Triumvirat, SFF, Gryphon, Tomita & Synergy.  ------------- Thank you for supporting independently produced music |
Posted By: Hrychu
Date Posted: February 22 2021 at 12:12
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You just reminded me that I gotta revisit Schicke, Führs & Fröhling! xD It's been a few years since I last gave their songs a proper listen. ------------- “On the day of my creation, I fell in love with education. And overcoming all frustration, a teacher I became.” — Ernest Vong |
Posted By: Psychedelic Paul
Date Posted: February 22 2021 at 12:19
The Top 37 Symphonic Prog albums of all time, as voted for in a recent poll by the good members of ProgArchives.  1. YES - Close to the Edge (316 points) 2. GENESIS - Foxtrot (140 points) 3. YES - Tales from Topographic Oceans (112 points) 4. GENESIS - The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway (110 points) 5. EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER - Emerson, Lake & Palmer (93 points) 6. GENESIS - Selling England by the Pound (90 points) 7. CAMEL - Moonmadness (80 points) 8. KANSAS - Leftoverture (75 points) 9. HARMONIUM - Si on avait besoin d'une cinquieme saison (72 points) 10. ANGLAGARD - Hybris (67 points) 11. FOCUS - Hamburger Concerto (64 points) 12. WOBBLER - From Silence to Somewhere (62 points) 12. RICK WAKEMAN - The Six Wives of Henry VIII (62 points) 14. YES - Relayer (49 points) 14. CHRIS SQUIRE - Fish Out of Water (49 points) 16. SPOCK'S BEARD - V (46 points) 16. RENAISSANCE - Ashes Are Burning (46 points) 18. DISCIPLINE - Unfolded Like Staircase (43 points) 19. GLASS HAMMER - The Inconsolable Secret (42 points) 20. NEAL MORSE - Sola Scripture (41 points) 21. CAMEL - The Snow Goose (40 points) 21. YES - Fragile (40 points) 21. GENESIS - Trespass (40 points) 21. CAMEL - Mirage (40 points) 21. SOLARIS - Marsbeli Kronikak (40 points) 26. GENESIS - A Trick of the Tail (38 points) 26. REFUGEE - Refugee (38 points) 28. EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER - Tarkus (35 points) 29. FANTASY - Paint a Picture (34 points) 30. CRESSIDA - Cressida (32 points) 31. GENESIS - Duke (30 points) 31. SPOCK'S BEARD - Snow (30 points) 31. ECHOLYN - The End is Beautiful (30 points) 31. GENESIS - Wind & Wuthering (30 points) 31. NEAL MORSE - Similitude of a Dream (30 points) 31. TRANSATLANTIC - Bridge Across Forever (30 points) 37. ALL TRAPS ON EARTH - A Drop of Light (29 points) |
Posted By: yogev
Date Posted: February 22 2021 at 12:28
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Wow, a lot of people here love The Flower Kings. Well... I got into the right place at the right time! They are my favorite prog band in the last year or so.
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Posted By: progaardvark
Date Posted: February 22 2021 at 13:40
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Even though I've been getting more and more into the avant world, I'll always have an appreciation for symphonic prog. It is, for most people, the gateway into prog. ------------- ---------- i'm shopping for a new oil-cured sinus bag that's a happy bag of lettuce this car smells like cartilage nothing beats a good video about fractions |
Posted By: AFlowerKingCrimson
Date Posted: February 22 2021 at 15:53
He said Triumvirat already. I don't know if I consider them symph though. Wouldn't that be like calling ELP or Nektar symph?
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JD wrote:Posted By: AFlowerKingCrimson
Date Posted: February 22 2021 at 15:54
Thanks Paul. It looks like you just created a playlist for me if I ever get stuck on a desert island.
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Posted By: Psychedelic Paul
Date Posted: February 22 2021 at 17:02
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^ My pleasure. It's not bad going, considering it only began as a Top 10 list of Symphonic Prog, and surprisingly, I actually know two thirds of the albums in the Top 37.
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Posted By: Grumpyprogfan
Date Posted: February 22 2021 at 17:11
| ^Great list from Paul. Nice to see Discipline and Echolyn made the top 37. The only other missing band is Izz. |
Posted By: rushfan4
Date Posted: February 22 2021 at 18:51
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Definitely a lot of good music in the symphonic prog category. I'm definitely a fan of all things related to the Flower Kings and Spock's Beard. ------------- 
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Posted By: Psychedelic Paul
Date Posted: February 22 2021 at 23:44
Thanks. I'm guessing Hrychu will be disappointed that The Flower Kings didn't make it into the Top 37.
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Posted By: Frenetic Zetetic
Date Posted: February 23 2021 at 00:18
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Symphonic is arguably the go-to, especially on PA! Symphonic, Eclectic, and ROI/RPI are my go-to's. ------------- "I am so prog, I listen to concept albums on shuffle." -KMac2021 |
Posted By: geekfreak
Date Posted: February 23 2021 at 01:09
Absolutely incredibly awesome list ------------- Friedrich Nietzsche: "Without music, life would be a mistake." Music Is Live Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. Keep Calm And Listen To The Music… < |
Posted By: JD
Date Posted: February 23 2021 at 06:22
------------- Thank you for supporting independently produced music |
Posted By: Catcher10
Date Posted: February 23 2021 at 11:21
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Not much more to add after Paul's list, The Flower Kings are very high on my list. -------------   
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Posted By: AFlowerKingCrimson
Date Posted: February 23 2021 at 11:46
| I once had an argument with a woman who insisted Yes were not symphonic prog. I would like to know what she considers symphonic prog and who she does consider to be symph prog. They might not be the best example but that's usually what they are labelled as. |
Posted By: lazland
Date Posted: February 23 2021 at 11:52
You should get her in touch with Ivan. Should be an interesting exchange of views  ------------- Enhance your life. Get down to www.lazland.org Now also broadcasting on www.progzilla.com Every Saturday, 4.00 p.m. UK time! |
Posted By: Catcher10
Date Posted: February 23 2021 at 12:18
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Posted By: Hrychu
Date Posted: February 23 2021 at 13:52
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I totally forgot to add Wobbler to my list. Their last 3 albums are absolute masterpieces. ------------- “On the day of my creation, I fell in love with education. And overcoming all frustration, a teacher I became.” — Ernest Vong |
Posted By: AFlowerKingCrimson
Date Posted: February 23 2021 at 17:09
It doesn't matter much to me one way or the other. They are called symphonic prog on here and that's usually what they are referred to as. Not everyone agrees on what is what. That's understandable.
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Posted By: emisan
Date Posted: February 24 2021 at 02:54
Unfotunately this list does not contain one of the best part of the Symphonic Prog. The one developed in Italy, also known as Rock Progressivo Italiano. RPI is pure symphonic prog.
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Posted By: Psychedelic Paul
Date Posted: February 24 2021 at 03:06
^ Maybe you'd like to put together a poll for Rock Progressivo Italiano, as RPI is something I know precious little about. 
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Posted By: Ronstein
Date Posted: February 24 2021 at 03:06
| Amazed that Nursery Cryme isn't on that list. Symphonic is definitely my favorite genre. I'd like to see Barclay James Harvest better represented, great band and, like the Moody Blues, properly symphonic (incorporating orchestra or orchestral sounds in most of their music). |
Posted By: Cristi
Date Posted: February 24 2021 at 03:11
Barclay James Harvest has got plenty of praise around here, sometimes too much if you ask me, but then again maybe I should stay away as I dislike half their work.
That's why they're nicknamed Barclay James Harmless. |
Posted By: Psychedelic Paul
Date Posted: February 24 2021 at 03:17
Nursery Cryme didn't make it onto the list on account of the fact that I only allowed PA voters to include one album from each artist in their respective Top 10's. If it wasn't for that rule, I probably would've chosen ten albums by Renaissance for my Top 10.
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Posted By: AFlowerKingCrimson
Date Posted: February 24 2021 at 05:28
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Ok, so let's make it an even 40 right here right now. 38. Genesis - Nursery Cryme 39. Some Italian album (maybe) 40. ? I think the problem with Italian prog is that typically most of the symphonic sounding ones are considered RPI on here and so technically aren't considered symphonic prog(at least not on here). I think PFM's per un amico would be a good one to add to the list but it's considered RPI on here.
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Posted By: Hrychu
Date Posted: February 24 2021 at 05:33
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By "some Italian album" you of course mean Cherry Five - s/t (1975). xD The lyrics are in English and it doesn't sound very RPI to my ear. I personally believe it's a Symphonic Prog record, except... well... Italian. Let me know what you think. ------------- “On the day of my creation, I fell in love with education. And overcoming all frustration, a teacher I became.” — Ernest Vong |
Posted By: Cristi
Date Posted: February 24 2021 at 05:36
I've always thought for RPI, the lyrics had to be in Italian.
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Posted By: AFlowerKingCrimson
Date Posted: February 24 2021 at 05:36
Cherry Five over PFM? I believe they are still considered RPI. I personally don't care if it's italian sounding or not. What does Italian sounding even mean? It has to have Italian vocals? Hey, let's all only listen to music with english vocals then. Why pretend prog only appeals to english people and is not a global phenemenon(which of course it is).
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Posted By: Hrychu
Date Posted: February 24 2021 at 05:38
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I think the main factor that really differentiates C5 from standard RPI is the heavy Yes influence. But TBH the album I might as well place right in between Symphonic and RPI. ------------- “On the day of my creation, I fell in love with education. And overcoming all frustration, a teacher I became.” — Ernest Vong |
Posted By: essexboyinwales
Date Posted: February 24 2021 at 06:48
| Sorry to ask a (new?) question within a thread, but if IQ weren't labelled as neo-prog, would they fit into Symphonic? And if not, why not? |
Posted By: Hrychu
Date Posted: February 24 2021 at 07:24
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I think that IQ's debut is 100% symphonic. The rest is Neo. ------------- “On the day of my creation, I fell in love with education. And overcoming all frustration, a teacher I became.” — Ernest Vong |
Posted By: Cristi
Date Posted: February 24 2021 at 07:27
the roots of neo are in symphonic prog. That's why you'll see some people saying neo-prog doesn't exist, it's all symph-prog.
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Posted By: Hrychu
Date Posted: February 24 2021 at 07:32
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Yeah, but Neo Prog to me is more modern sounding than Symphonic, features heavier guitars and more synths. ------------- “On the day of my creation, I fell in love with education. And overcoming all frustration, a teacher I became.” — Ernest Vong |
Posted By: Cristi
Date Posted: February 24 2021 at 07:34
sometimes heavier guitars later on though, stating with Arena in the mid 90s.
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Posted By: Hrychu
Date Posted: February 24 2021 at 08:00
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The lines between Symphonic and Neo are sometimes a bit blurry. Take The Watch for instance. ------------- “On the day of my creation, I fell in love with education. And overcoming all frustration, a teacher I became.” — Ernest Vong |
Posted By: Cristi
Date Posted: February 24 2021 at 08:10
they are not neo-prog IMHO.
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Posted By: AFlowerKingCrimson
Date Posted: February 24 2021 at 08:11
| I don't hear much symphonic in Marillion(not even in the early stuff so much). IQ seems much more symphonic to me. |
Posted By: Cristi
Date Posted: February 24 2021 at 08:17
I kinda agree here, although there is an obvious Genesis influence on the early Marillion work.
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Posted By: lazland
Date Posted: February 24 2021 at 11:07
In their extremely early work, but this had dissipated by Misplaced Childhood. ------------- Enhance your life. Get down to www.lazland.org Now also broadcasting on www.progzilla.com Every Saturday, 4.00 p.m. UK time! |
Posted By: Cristi
Date Posted: February 24 2021 at 11:12
true, MC was not early anymore.
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Posted By: AFlowerKingCrimson
Date Posted: February 24 2021 at 11:53
There is but maybe not the symphonic elements of Genesis so much. Then again I suppose symphonic means different things to different people. To me it's about a certain keyboard sound. I just don't hear it much in Marillion. That's nothing against Mark Kelly either.He's a fine keyboardist but I think maybe he was under utilized much of the time. Marillion were more about Rothery's leads and Fish's lyrics(imo).
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Posted By: AFlowerKingCrimson
Date Posted: February 24 2021 at 11:55
Weird because that one sounded very early Genesis to me. I think they lost that influence by the time they did Clutching.
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Posted By: Cristi
Date Posted: February 24 2021 at 11:58
As far as I know, Kelly was always a part of the songwriting, he may not be soloing much, but he sure knows how to create atmospheres.
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Posted By: essexboyinwales
Date Posted: February 25 2021 at 09:05
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Interesting, thanks all! I definitely hear Genesis influence in both early Marillion and early-mid period IQ, and to me they're all great prog, whatever the sub-genre
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Posted By: AFlowerKingCrimson
Date Posted: March 01 2021 at 19:12
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So what are some of the best symph prog albums from the past ten years or so? Not counting Wobbler.
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Posted By: Hrychu
Date Posted: March 01 2021 at 19:21
●Mister Robot - Сказки Роботов ●Transatlantic - Kaleidoscope and TAU: Forevermore (I like both equally tbh) ●Samurai of Prog - On We Sail (the band is labeled Crossover on PA but IMO this album is pure symphonic prog) ●The Flower Kings - Islands and Desolation Rose (again, both albums are on a similar level quality-wise imho) ●Jordsjø - Nattfiolen And of course lots of Italian Symph stuff like the new Logos album etc. but that's another story EDIT: Almost forgot. "Blank Manuskript - The Waiting Soldier" is simply stunning! ------------- “On the day of my creation, I fell in love with education. And overcoming all frustration, a teacher I became.” — Ernest Vong |
Posted By: AFlowerKingCrimson
Date Posted: March 01 2021 at 19:37
| ^Thanks. I heard a bit of that Mister Robot. Not bad. Also, I have one album by Samurai of Prog and like it. Also, as for TFK I'm a big fan but not that crazy about Desolation Rose(it's ok but I like Banks of Eden better). Jordsjo and Blank Manuskript will be added to the list also. Thanks. |
Posted By: foregonillusions
Date Posted: March 01 2021 at 23:13
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Since Discipline is categorized as symphonic prog, I guess I'll mention that I bought Unfolded Like Staircase and To Shatter All Accord years ago based off of the praise they received, but they didn't stick with me. But a few days ago, I started listening to these very same albums, and now I can't stop! The violin in "When She Dreams She Dreams in Color" takes me places, man. Great stuff! |
Posted By: Logan
Date Posted: March 01 2021 at 23:42
This rateyourmusic Symphonic Prog chart has lots of Italian albums: https://rateyourmusic.com/charts/top/album/all-time/g:symphonic-prog/exc:live,archival/" rel="nofollow - https://rateyourmusic.com/charts/top/album/all-time/g:symphonic-prog/exc:live,archival/ Before PA had an RPI category, we had an Italian Symphonic Prog category for acts. See https://web.archive.org/web/20060619221549/http://www.progarchives.com/Progressive-rock.asp" rel="nofollow - CLICK Lots of my favourite Symphonic Prog is Italian and French, but I love plenty of Symph albums from around the world. Clearlight's Forever Blowing Bubbles, Bo Hansson's Sagan Om Ringen and Earth and Fire's Song of the Marching Children are three favourite of mine included in the Symph category at PA. Kotebel (Spain) is a favourite more modern fave of mine, and Focus was one of my first loves. ------------- https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXcp9fYc6K4IKuxIZkenfvukL_Y8VBqzK" rel="nofollow - Duos for fave acts |
Posted By: Ronstein
Date Posted: March 02 2021 at 02:25
^ It seems to me that Discipline and Mattew Parmenter's solo albums go under the radar for a lot of people. Personally, I think they're extremely interesting and very enjoyable (if you're OK with dark!)
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