Symphonic prog bands with orchestra?

AFlowerKingCrimson wrote: I would think the Enid would be one of the most obvious examples of a band that composed and played music that sounds like an orchestra but I'm not sure if they ever actually played with one.

Good suggestion. I have listened to a few albums, but know little of their catalogue, which I see is quite large.

progmatic wrote: Solaris

I have listened to them, but sparsely since they have limited tracks on Spotify and even difficult to find on Youtube. Not on Bandcamp either. Maybe I can find them somewhere else.

The Dark Elf wrote: Well, Deep Purple released Concerto for Group and Orchestra with the Royal Philharmonic (1969), which was written by Jon Lord specifically for the combo. But for my money, I would suggest that Procol Harum Live: In Concert with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, which was not written for a symphony, is far more moving and deep. Nothing comes close to the power of this collaboration:

I love Procol Harum and they has got some stellar live performances with orchestra. It’s not exactly what I was looking for, but great prog played with an orchestra often becomes something great.

progmatic wrote: Camel Snow Goose

Amazing album. They do have an orchestra listed on the PA info site, but I can’t recall how much is was used. Guess I gave myself an excuse to listen to it again.

Awesoreno wrote: Zappa Zappa Zappa. Though his stuff is more in the vein of Contemporary composers like Schoenberg, Stravinksy, Varèse, etc. He has pieces that sound like they were composed with orchestra in mind, but were played by a rock group. I think this is really clear on live versions of Dog Breath/Uncle Meat from 73 and 74. Some of those pieces ended up being arranged for orchestra, while others were originally WRITTEN for orchestra, like Bob in Dacron or Mo 'n' Herb's Vacation. Check out his London Symphony Orchestra volumes or The Yellow Shark for examples of both (not for the faint of heart).

I have never gotten into Zappa, but I’ll check out some of those suggestions. I’m primarily looking for music written for and recorded with an orchestra.

Hrychu wrote: How about some Põhja Konn? Check out the song Avamäng 2020

I like what I heard, so I’ll check out some more. Thanks.

Spaciousmind wrote: I am not sure I understand the question.  There are a lot of prog bands that would fit well to a symphonic orchestra (or their songs might as well have been written for an orchestra).  Since they are bands or artists I am not sure if they specifically set out to have a full orchestra in mind when they write their compositions, but it would transfer well.  Many use bits and pieces of orchestral instruments on and off all the time. If you want to listen to a true orchestra sound then could just start with these in addition to previously mentioned ones. * Mike Oldfield's The Orchestral Tubular Bells with the London Symphony Orchestra. * Caravan & The New Symphonia * The Taliesin Orchestra - Doing Enya - The Orinoco Flow (New Age) * The Moody Blues - A Night at Bedrocks * The Moody Blues - Live At The Royal Albert Hall With The World Festival Orchestra * Symphonic Yes Pick almost any prog band and turn it to orchestra.  But for me the best example will always be Orchestral Tubular Bells. Isilidur's Bane especially Mind Vol.1 whenever I listen to it I keep thinking that an orchestra should play it.

Some of those I’m familiar with, some not. I’ll make sure to try them all. These are prime examples of what I want, IF the original album was written and recorded that way. I love listening to familiar albums with orchestra added, but I would like to find some new music that I’m not familiar with, and where the orchestra is in the original recording. I suppose symphonic versions of albums I haven’t heard before in the original version also works to some degree since I’m not used to the original recording.

I don’t know how to explain it more than I already have, but I’ll try.

There are many great prog rock albums that has been performed live or on an album with the addition of an orchestra, but the music was originally not written for one. I’ll accept those submissions, but most of them I’ve either heard or heard the original album. I’m interested in discovering new music.

I’ll try with some examples and explain why it does or does not fit the main goal.

Yes – Symphonic Live: No, because they are playing music Yes originally made without an orchestra in mind.
Stravinsky: No, but a little bit yes I suppose. The music was written years before pop and rock, so it wasn’t made with those ideas in mind. Parts of it may be deemed somewhat proggy, but I’m mostly looking for music from the 60’s and later, which has been influenced by rock.
The Enid: Yes, because they wrote music and recorded it with orchestral elements.
Snow Goose: Yes, same reason as above.

Psychedelic Paul wrote: You could try the Blue Jays album with Justin Hayward & John Lodge, or either of Ray Thomas' two solo albums. Thumbs Up

I like the few sample songs I’ve tried so far, but the orchestral elements aren’t too pronounced. Will try some more.

AlanB wrote: ELO?

I tried ELO a few times, but they haven’t made me excited so far. I’ll give them a new try with this subject in mind.

Homotopy wrote: Salisbury

I found a UK band, but not orchestral examples. Any albums you specifically thought of? If I found the correct band that is.

dwill123 wrote: Mahavishnu Orchestra

I’m familiar with them, but do they have orchestral elements (besides the name)?