Most Classical Prog Albums?

This may need topping; the classical music critic of the London Times reviewed this album last week, giving a good 4 star rating - and even commented that Lord's 'rock-based' solo didn't feel out of place... :

Oceansizzle wrote: Genesis - Selling England by the Pound Focus - Hamburger Concerto and either PFM's Per Un Amico, or Storia Di Un Minuto

Your own suggestions aren't too bad, and maybe its best to stick with albums you already know already for this? Do you know  the early, classic albums by Gentle Giant? Nothing's really extreme there, or to heavy to scare your  teacher. Albums like Acquiring the Taste or Octopus might impress her, and they are still rock-music.

Islands, by King Crimson

If you're trying to impress a classically inclined person, perhaps it would be better to concentrate on instrumental albums? I've found that vocals tend to scare.

I can't believe that no-one has mentioned Rick Wakeman - Journey to the Centre of the Earth yet 

It may not seem blindingly obvious, but Still Life - VDGG is very classically influenced. Whereas most of their albums are jazz and psychadelic influence, Still Life is very classical indeed. The title track is very much like traditional church music (the beginning anyway), pilgrims without a doubt has many classical chord changes and Childlike Faith is one big operatic piece which juggles classical and jazz perfectly. As for the other two, they have some very strong classical moments (especially La Rossa). Have a listen carefully, you will soon see what i mean.

Another classical album which is not mentioned is The Masquerade Overture - Pendragon. The majority is classically orientated. In Guardian of My Soul, they even improvise along lines of the romantic era for christ sake!

Bj-1 wrote: Univers Zero - Ceux du Dehors!   It might be too much for your teacher though, but it's probably UZ's best album that blends Classical and Prog together.

That album is too much for a lot of us!
Na, its a great album and Dense is my favorite UZ song... good stuff!!!

I'd agree with Dick's rec of Jon Lord,  also Isildurs Bane, in particular Cheval-Volonte de rocher












Edited by Atavachron - February 22 2008 at 23:06

oh and we mustn't forget MO's Apocalypse  ..not your average classical prog but a must hear eventually

I'll second Gryphon. Most of band members have a classical background and they used bassoons and krumhorns as part of the instrumentation.

Another interesting possiblity here would be Concerto Grosso by the New Trolls.