From: exurln@avata.NoSubdomain.NoDomain (Bob Netherton)
Subject: Re: symphonic rock
Reply-To: exurln@exu.ericsson.se
Organization: Ericsson Network Systems, Inc.
Date: Tue, 7 Apr 1992 20:53:57 GMT

In article <1992Apr5.161659.6106@acsu.buffalo.edu>, swann@acsu.buffalo.edu (Stephen Swann) writes:
|> In article <1992Apr04.195053.662280@zeus.calpoly.edu> eanderso@zeus.calpoly.edu (Eric W. Anderson) writes:
|> >Can anybody in net-land recommend some classic symphonic albums that might
|> >be worth listening to...
|> >
|> >The groups I am familiar with are (not necessarily symphonic): Rush, ELO,
|> >Boston, Journey, Queen, Led Zep, Pink Floyd,...etc
|> >
|> >I have heard Brain Salad Surgery from ELP and thought it was great.  I also
|> >like Days of Futures Past by the Moody Blues.  Are there any other albums
|> >of this caliber by these guys or others.
|> 
|> Kansas.

Agreed.

Here a a couple of others, maybe a little more obscure - but certainly
worth checking out :-)

Triumvirat - Their style is very reminiscent of ELP with the later works
becoming almost like Mannheim Steamroller.  I would highly recommend
_Illusions on a Double Dimple_ and _Spartacus_.  If you like a more raw
sound and a little more classical emphasis then check out _Mediterranean
Tales_.  _Spartacus_is available domestically (US), the other two are German
imports.

Renaissance - The *ultimate* classical group.  Many of their songs are
recorded with either an orchestra or a string ensemble.  Most of their early
work show a *heavy* classical and a pronounced folk influence.  There are several
good domestic discs available.  _In the Beginning_ is a compilation of _Prologue_
and _Ashes are Burning_ (excellent choice).  Be aware that they edit out the last
few minutes of the song "Ashes are Burning" on the compliation.  _Tales of 1001
Nights, Volume I_ is a compilation of music from 1974-1976 and would be another
good choice. Volume II covers 1976-1980 and the material is a little more
commercial.  If you want more information on them send me an E-mail.

Deep Purple - Concerto for Group and Orchestra.  What more could you ask for ?
Excellent orchestration, smoking Ritchie Blackmore guitar solo.  Good stuff.

Grand Funk Railroad.  Two tracks come to mind: I'm Your Captain (_Closer to
Home_) and Lonliness (_E Pluribus Funk_).

Uriah Heep - Salisbury.  Early attempt to merge orchestra with loud hard
rock.  It works quite well with (IMHO) Heeps best lineup.

Lucifer's Friend - Banquet.  Good luck finding this one.  I have a copy on
LP and am asking Santa to produce a CD (come on Repetoire are you listing ?????)
If you like Salisbury then you will probably like Banquet.  

Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow - Check out "Difficult to Cure" from _Final
Vinyl".  Ritchie jamming with an orchestra again.

Starcastle - Not orchestral but fairly obscure.  If you like early Yes
then you should check out _Starcastle_ and _Fountains of Light_.

If you are into Stravinsky and Schoenberg then King Crimson may be your cup
of tea.  These are like saliva to me - you got to have them but in little
doses over long period of time :-)

Hope this helps.

Bob

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