SYMPHONIC LIVE (DVD)

What a marvelous treat. I bought this DVD right after it's release and couldn't stop playing it ever since. This DVD contains (almost) all their classics from their Haydays, and some more. both visually and musicaly this concert sees Yes on top of their form.

Assisted by the Europian Festival Orchestra they played a tour supporting their then newly released Magnification album. That album already was a convergence between Yes's music with Orchestral arrangement. This concertseries and DVD reveals what already was known, Yes's music lends itself perfectly for orchestral interpretation. And the orchestra contributes an extra element to the sound of the songs, making it even deeper and more colourfull.

A new guy on the keyboards makes it's appearance, Tom Brislin, who obviously is up for the task, adding some good soloing and maintaining a high standart of playing throughout the set.

Mind you, it is not an orchestral recording as "Symphonic Music Of Yes"was, rearanging the songs in any matter, the orchestration is in full support of the songs, which are played as they should sound.

The DVD starts great from the beginning, the overture (orchestral theme from the magnification album) evolving into a strong version of CTTE followed by Long Distance runaround. Then two songs from Magnification, not my fav. songs but very well executed, feat. Allan White on the keyboard for the intro of "In the presence of.." After that the show begins to take shape with my all time favourite track "Gates Of Delerium" Guitar and Orchestra in perfect sync. with some stunning bass-playing by Chris squire and some great musical interplay between Chris and tom Brislin (though as Gatot Widayanto says, a bit overacting from Tom). Steve gets his chance to shine with two classical guitar solo's, the first is a new one (I believe) an adaption of a classical movement and mood for a day. Starship Trooper brings the show back into pace, again there is the advantage of the orchestra taking the song to new levels.

Magnification played for the first time live, with Jon on accoustic guitar, a great song and definetly my favourite from the magnification album. Followed by And You And I, which needs no introduction. And then...Ritual from TFTO, works absolutely brilliant, all elements fall perfectly into place, the orchestra strengthening the power of the composition, with a great solo from Chris (both visually as musically). Then it's time to close up with All Good people, Owner of a lonely heart and the obligatory encore Roundabout. WHAT A GREAT SET THIS IS.

Extra's: bonus DVD containing a documentary of the tour and the making of Magnification (the album).

Downfalls: In the middle of Starship Trooper the DVD shiftes layer, which causes a short break in the music, it's not at a crucial point but I would have prefered such a shift in between songs :-). Aside from that. THIS IS AN ABSOLUTE MASTERPIECE; GREAT MUSIC AND A GREAT SHOW