New Radio Documentary on Prog

The first episode was fascinating and I liked the way Charles Hazlewood, himself a conductor, looked at the integration of rock with classical music. Bruford was interesting in describing and contrasting the ways in which Yes and King Crimson worked, although like Chris Squire he seems able to remember the name of every note he ever played. Another strength was in Hazlewood including a number of illustrative extracts, while giving them enough breathing space, including Rick Wakeman's solos in the middle of CTTE.

There were one or two astonishing comments (to my ears at least), including Hazlewood's belief that Yes were not massively complex, and Bruford's comparison between Yes being harmonies and no jazz plus no improvisation, while Crimson were jazz, improvisation and no harmonies. The later was explained by Yes working out tracks through lots of discussion.  I hasten to add that I am paraphrasing by memory.

The first programme is on BBC iplayer, at least in the UK, for about a month: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b05tkm9m

Extracts include:
Starship Trooper - Yes
A Lover's Concerto - The Toys (1965, based on ?)
Catch a Falling Star - Perry Como (1957, based on Brahms)
Nutrocker by B. Bumble and the Stingers (1962, based on Tchaikovsky)
Boree in E Minor - Jethro Tull
Pictures at an Exhibition - ELP
Several Species of Small Furry Animals - Pink Floyd
The Ancient - Yes
Interview with Bill Bruford
Close to the Edge - Yes
Larks Tongues in Aspic - King Crimson
Sex Sleep Eat Drink Dream - King Crimson
Piece No 2 for Chamber Orchestra - Conlon Nancarrow
Stromboli Kicks - Earthworks

^ Thanks for the tip-off, Flight123.

Next week's Radio Times says: Monday Radio 11 May, 10:00pm Prog Rock with Charles Hazlewood 1 of 4. In this first episode he looks at prog rock's 1950s and 60s origins and the significance of drums & percussion. Hazlewood talks to drummer/percussionist Bill Bruford . . . 

There is also an article on p.117 by Stuart Maconie on meeting ELP, in 1992, and discussing the election with Greg Lake.

Bizarrely, someone called Jane Anderson in the Today's Choices article, mentions Hazlewood's show then discusses seeing The Clash at Aylesbury Friars while avoiding the progressive rock bands.