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SYMPHONIC LIVE (DVD)

Yes

Symphonic Prog


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Yes Symphonic Live (DVD) album cover
4.59 | 355 ratings | 40 reviews | 68% 5 stars

Essential: a masterpiece of
progressive rock music

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DVD/Video, released in 2002

Songs / Tracks Listing

DVD 1
1. Overture (2:30)
2. Close To The Edge (20:30)
3. Long Distance Runaround
4. Don't Go (4:29)
5. In The Presence Of (11:03)
6. The Gates Of Delirium (23:30)
7. Steve Howe Guitar Solo (6:25)
- a. Vivaldi's Lute Concerto In D Major, 2nd Movement
- b. Mood For a Day
8. Starship Trooper (12:18)
9. Magnification (7:23)
10. And You And I (11:15)
11. Ritual (28:21)
12. I've Seen All Good People (7:20)
13. Owner Of A Lonely Heart (5:48)
14. Roundabout (6:28)

Recorded Live in concert at the Heineken Music Hall in Amsterdam on 22 November 2001

Total Time: 157:00

DVD 2 - Bonus Material
2-1. "Don't Go" Video
2-2. "Dreamtime" Documentary

Total Time: 37:00

Line-up / Musicians

- Jon Anderson / lead vocals, acoustic guitar, percussion
- Steve Howe / acoustic & electric guitars, backing vocals
- Chris Squire / bass, vocals
- Alan White / drums, percussion, electric piano

With:
- Tom Brislin / keyboards
- European Festival Orchestra
- Wilheilm Keitel / orchestra conductor
- Aubrey Powell / DVD1 film director
- Bob Cesca / DVD2 film director

Releases information

Artwork: Bob Cesca with Roger Dean (logo)

DVD Eagle Vision ‎- EREDV651 (2002, Europe) DVD with full concert Video and Multichannel Audio
2xDVD Eagle Vision ‎- EREDV252 (2002, Europe) Bonus DVD w/ bonus Video and Documentary
CD+DVD Eagle Eye Media ‎- ERDVCD008 (2002, Europe) DVD with full concert Video (CD with an Audio selection from the concert, omitting 5 tracks)

Thanks to ProgLucky for the addition
and to Quinino for the last updates
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YES Symphonic Live (DVD) ratings distribution


4.59
(355 ratings)
Essential: a masterpiece of progressive rock music(68%)
68%
Excellent addition to any prog rock music collection(25%)
25%
Good, but non-essential (5%)
5%
Collectors/fans only (2%)
2%
Poor. Only for completionists (0%)
0%

YES Symphonic Live (DVD) reviews


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Collaborators/Experts Reviews

Review by Gatot
SPECIAL COLLABORATOR Honorary Collaborator
5 stars True Masterpiece Prog Rock Concert of all time .!!

Wow! What a dream comes true .. !!! I had long imagined that one day YES would do a recording session with a symphonic orchestra. That was my dream when I first listened to Rick Wakeman's "Journey to The Center of The Earth" - the album that amazed me especially on how Rick did a wild idea to release an a recorded live album without releasing the studio version first! Of course, it's not the case with YES here because this show cast is basically the live performance with a symphonic orchestra: European Festival Orchestra. Actually, I was already happy with an album titled "Symphonic Music of YES" but . this live DVD set is much much grandiose and colossal, I would say. What really impress me also is the fact that the band members do not seem nervous or whatsoever blending their classic hits with a full blown symphonic orchestra. They just perform as they perform without any orchestra. That proves how senior these guys from YES are.

Let me tell you my first impression when I spin the DVD at the very first time where there was a Roger Dean's bridge at my large screen: I was totally stunned! Then the orchestra starts under the title "Overture" that is destined to be an atmosphere setter for the whole show, I guess. Don's expect that this is a sort of "Firebird Suite" usually appear during the opening of Yes concert where typically was continued with "Siberian Khatru" or "Parallels". This time, it's completely new orchestration work. When it is done it flows seamlessly with the legendary epic of the band "Close To The Edge". Oh my God! I never imagined that I would be as stunned as this time (whenever I watch this DVD). Chris Squire does his live acts wonderfully on stage - I really like his style. Musically, I feel that the whole track has been totally powered with full strings of symphonic orchestra. If you are Yes fan, I'm sure that you will definitely agree with me that this opening epic is damn wonderful! I like the use of timpani in critical transitions or break to enrich the textures of Yes music.

Having done with the great "Close To The Edge", the symphonic orchestra does another nice symphony to set the atmosphere for the next track "Long Distance Runaround". Well, I have to be honest that I feel like "disjointed" enjoying the end of orchestra with Steve's guitar fills to begin this tune. But it's immaterial compared to the excellent performance of the band. Next is the band's performance with their latest album "Magnification" through two excellent tracks " Don't Go" and "In the Presence Of". Alan White plays some keyboard at the intro part of "In The Presence Of". Musically, I love the compositions of "In The Presence Of" as it melody flows dynamically throughout the track and I like the ending part - so catchy.

For me personally, "Gates of Delirium" is the best of best tracks from YES. And I'm lucky that the band brings this track alive with symphonic orchestra! Yeaaahhh ...!!!! Before it starts, Jon does some conversation that stresses the no need of war. The opening part is fantastic - especially when I observe how Alan White plays his drum set; it's very dynamic and he plays it energetically. The keyboard that sounds like "boiling water" with Patrick Moraz studio version is disappearing (unfortunately) but luckily it is filled by excellent orchestration. Chris? Don's ask me man . he does his job wonderfully with his attractive stage acts! Unfortunately Steve (who used to be very energetic with Yessongs or Keys) this time looks so gloomy - face wise - it seems he has a lot of things in his mind; well, I don't know exactly what happen with him. But he plays his guitar excellently. Jon singing is different with the studio version - it's kind like voice line 2 but it's much more lively, I think. The DVD offers us with multiple angles so when I select angle 2 I can see a lot of documentary world war I film (black and white). The symphonic orchestra does their best in this epic. One thing that I really like about this song is its musical flow where it starts slow and gradually increase into more rocking tempo. When it reaches the bass guitar solo - that is the best part that I really enjoy about this track! Oh man . how can a human being can create this wonderful composition???? Tell me my friend! Tell me! Oh ... The music then turns into quieter passage and welcomes the ending part "Soon" until it ends .. Marvelous! (As for my individual preferense, I feel that the stage act of keyboard player Tom Brislin is way too much overacting. Sorry to say, it's disgusting for my taste especially when he plays his keyboard in a rude style . Indeed he cannot replace either Rick or Patrick - IMHO).

Steve Howe does his solo excellently even though without any smile from his face (unfortunately). "And You And I" is another classic performed beautifully. Jon then talks about the idea that the band made as inspired by a book and wanted to create into four-piece of music. "It's called .. RITUAL!". Yeah . my other favorite track from "Tales From Topographic Ocean". (In my review of "Tales" I did mention about the story behind the making of Tales where Jon was lent a book by Jamie Muir of King Crimson).

What really surprise me is that Steve plays "Owner of a Lonely Heart" - wow! It's hard to believe but it happens. It's quite funny actually especially during the guitar opening where he plays differently - but it's a treat. (It's totally different with the version of 90125 live DVD that also have - Trevor Rabin plays as the studio version). The guitar solo in the interlude part is now filled with a keyboard solo.

"Roundabout" is as usual serving as an encore to the whole live set. It's modified from the original version. It's bit annoying (for my personal taste) seeing the (beautiful) girls from the symphonic orchestra musicians all of them dance on stage during this track. Enough..enough ...

My version contains 2 discs with first disc is the DVD of full symphonic concert and disc 2 is basically the audio CD of the concert. Too bad, there is no "Gates of Delirium" in the CD version, but I have it in bonus disc of my "Magnification" album. It's OK then. Highly recommended!

Progressively yours,

GW - Indonesia.

Keep on progging!

Review by Easy Livin
SPECIAL COLLABORATOR Honorary Collaborator / Retired Admin
5 stars Overwhelming

I had some misgivings when Yes announced that they were to tour with a full orchestra. Previous such indulgences by bands such as ELP, Deep Purple, Nice etc. had not always been entirely successful, often resulting in almost separate performances by band and orchestra.

I did however have the pleasure, no make that honour, of seeing Yes perform on this tour with an East European orchestra, in the Armadillo in Glasgow., This superb venue, vaguely similar to the Sydney Opera House, was perfect for what ranks for me as the best performance by Yes (or for that matter anyone else) I have ever seen. I was therefore slightly apprehensive when the DVD was releases as to whether it would manage to capture the magic of the experience, or whether it would tarnish my recollections. It was therefore extremely pleasing to find that my fears on all counts, were unwarranted.

While the "Magnification" album included new material recorded with an orchestra, the music performed live on the following "YesSymphonic" tour has never been (officially) released separately on CD. It has however been made available through this DVD, recorded on the Amsterdam leg of the tour. With the many live Yes albums which are available, it is understandable that not every tour is released in CD format. Given the added spectacle of this particular tour, DVD is clearly the most sensible option.

Unlike the aforementioned experiences of other bands, the orchestra here is seldom heard in isolation but is used throughout to enhance the overall sound. While a keyboard player -Tom Brislin - (not Wakeman, Moraz or Kaye!) was part of the line up, his role was much less to the fore than is usual for a Yes performance, the main function of the orchestra being to replace many of the keyboard parts.

The strategy gives pieces such as "Close to the edge" and "And you and I" an awesome and sometimes overwhelming majesty. The ending section of the latter is slowed right down, with ever increasing crescendos which almost literally push the listener back in their seat, such is the power.

There is a good diversity of old and new songs, including "Ritual", "In the presence of", "Roundabout" (band only encore) etc. During the latter, the youthful orchestra re- appear on stage minus their instruments, to "groove" to the music. How many orchestras would do that?!

The band is very tight throughout, perhaps reflecting the need to keep in perfect time with the orchestra, otherwise things could have become pretty chaotic. How they keep it all together on "The Gates of Delirium" during the "battle" section, is quite bewildering.

My sole disappointment with both the live performance and the DVD comes right at the start. The "Excerpt for the Firebird suite" has since the very early days of Yes signalled to the audience that the band were arriving on stage. It was of course played on tape. YesSymphonic offered the perfect opportunity for a live orchestra to perform the piece. Instead, a specially commissioned orchestral introduction was used. While this is pleasant enough, they should have used "Firebird".

The DVD is superbly filmed, recorded and presented, with a bonus disk of interviews and videos. At various points during the concert, there is the choice of either continuing to watch the performance, or to view animated films which compliment the music.

The YesSymphionic DVD is an essential addition to the collection of anyone who enjoys the music of Yes. It is arguably the definitive collaboration between group and orchestra.

Review by Eetu Pellonpaa
SPECIAL COLLABORATOR Honorary Collaborator
3 stars This DVD is a nice document of the band's 21st century tour with a symphonic orchestra replacing RICK WAKEMAN. The visual material is enhanced with the graphics of Roger Dean, and the band did some nice versions of their classic epics "Close To The Edge", "Gates of Delirium" and "Ritual". Also Steve's solo performance of Vivaldi's lute concerto is pretty. I managed to see the Finland performance of this tour, which was YES's first visit to our distant artic land.
Review by Cygnus X-2
SPECIAL COLLABORATOR Honorary Collaborator
4 stars Yes has done it again, they've seemed to top themselves live. Their music has always had a symphonic edge, but now they've taken it one step further and actually played with a symphony. This is the classic line-up of White, Squire, Howe, and Anderson. The keyboardist is an unknown but did a good job playing all-around.

The show opens with Close to the Edge, my personal favorite song of the DVD. The entire group does a good job on this album, especially Howe, with his needless noodling that has become quintessential with his being. After an extended section in the middle, the keyboardist Tom Brislin goes into the Wakeman keyboard solo, and it sounds exactly like the record version.

Other songs that are worth mentioning that are superb are the Gates of Delirium, which was an impressive spectacle of sight and sound. Then there's Ritual, in which Chris Squire gives one of the best live bass performances I've ever seen. Then And You and I, which is always amazing live.

The material from Magnification that they played surprisingly good (I was never terribly fond of modern Yes, I like it, just not all that much. The best of the new material live is In the Presence Of...

Overall, I give this a 4.5 out of 5. I highly recommend it to everybody who likes Yes. This is easily the best Yes concert DVD available at the moment (It's a lot better than the Yessongs DVD).

Review by Zitro
PROG REVIEWER
5 stars 5 proud stars coming from Zitro : this is my favourite concert DVD yet. Except for Wakeman (a young and extremely talented keyboardist does well), the classic lineup is here and playing like they never played before.

The song selection is good (but I wish they haven't played Magnification, Roundabout and Don't go) ...However, just the inclusion of Gates of Delirium, Close to The Edge, and Starship Trooper made me jump in excitement. All of the songs with the orchestra are played really well, and some of the songs (ritual, In The Presence of, Starship Trooper) sound better than the originals.

Get this DVD ... It is an essential Purchase for a Prog Rock Collection!

Review by fuxi
PROG REVIEWER
4 stars I fully agree with all the praise that has been heaped on this DVD. A superb program featuring no less than three of Yes' most ambitious 'epics', all expertly performed, with some help from a youthful orchestra. And to top it all, both "And You and I" and "Starship Trooper" sound more gorgeous, more triumphant than on any other live CD (even if Jon's voice is a little tired on the latter). I don't even mind the 'encore' of "Roundabout" (a tune I'm usually not too crazy about): the band are in great spirits, even Steve Howe (finally) smiles.

For me, Howe is the 'mystery man' of this recording. Having seen Yes play live only once, in 1977, I'm amazed he seems totally detached from the rest of the band. He makes no eye contact with anyone, is fully absorbed in playing his solo part, and whenever Chris Squire comes over to him, hoping to strike a few brotherly rock 'n' roll poses, Steve ignores him completely. On many of the tunes (CTTE and "Delirum" for example), Steve's lead guitar now sounds twangier, jazzier than before. To tell you the truth, I miss some of the old sustain.

If you want to see the band in their glory days, you're better off with a copy of LIVE AT GPR. There, the sound of Steve's lead guitar suddenly disappears at times (not during crucial solos, fortunately), and you're stuck with Jon's pedestian rhythm guitar, but you still know which notes you're supposed to hear, and it's simply amazing to see something I'd always wanted to see: Yes anno 1975, in their glory days, when they were young, ambitious - and even beautiful.

Review by memowakeman
SPECIAL COLLABORATOR Honorary Collaborator
5 stars Great concert!

During the years some BIG bands had attempt (in fact had done) a mix between the band and an orchestra, to give it a some "extra" symphonic sound, not always has been the best thing, but in this case, Yes with an orchestra makes this DVD awesome, the sound here is great, of course with it´s ups and downs, but in general i think this was a great idea, and very well placed and performanced.

Now im in the shoes of a Yes´fan, so what more could we ask?, i mean, here we can see Close to the Edge, Gates of Delirium and Ritual, 3 big songs, 3 of the most representative songs ever made by this monster of progressive rock, and that´s not the best, the best is that those 3 big songs were very well performanced, honestly i have enough with only that 3 songs that i love, of course i also love Heart of the Sunrise, Roundabout etc, but i cant imagine a concert with that 3 songs. OMG!

All the video is awesome, and one extra point, no Wakeman here eh?, but i dont miss him, in this concert Wakeman, Moraz, Kaye etc were replaced by a young keyboardist called Tom Brislin, i dont know anything about him, but believe me, he did a great job here.

The tracklist is incredible, they performanced various of their classic songs, and some of ther newest songs, in that era Magnification was their new release, which i like so much, they played from Close to the Edge, through Long distance , Mood for aDay, Gates of Delirium, Ritual, Roundabout, to Owner of a Lonely Heart and Magnfication, actually there were 15 songs, but you can imagine, with CTTE, GOD and Ritual , you´ll spend one hour watching those excellent songs, i think the concert was over 3 hours, fantastic!

Obviously i wont review song by song, but i can comment some of their best moments, for example i love when Jon speak tothe crowd introducing In the Prescence of , and of course when Howe makes his marvelous guitar solo, Gates of Delirium is my fav Yes song, so you can imagine i use to repeat that song when the DVD finishes, because it was a great performance, And You And I was of course another igh moment, beautiful, also Owner of a Lonely Heart is nice here making good concetion between band and audience, and during the concert we can appreciate some orchestrás members singins making some happy movements etc, showing us the current mood in the concert which is another extra point here.

I love this DVD, as i said above it´s lenght is over 3 hours, so you have to watch it in good mood, dont watch it if you are tired of something because it could be big enough for you. Of course this DVD is highly recommendale, i wont be so strict, because there are a couple of details for example Dont Go, i dont like it so much, but anyway this album is a masterpiece, if not at least an excellent addition to any prog lover, actually i would give it 4.7 stars, so 5 !

Review by SouthSideoftheSky
SPECIAL COLLABORATOR Symphonic Team
5 stars Fantastic performance of Yes together with a symphony orchestra. The band is in really good form here and they seem to be enjoying themselves playing. The set list is amazing, covering such often overlooked albums as Relayer with a fantastic performance of Gates Of Delirium and from Tales From Topographic Oceans, the complete Ritual. Also such classics as Close To The Edge, And You And I, Long Distance Runaround, Roundabout and Starship Trooper. The set list also features songs from their then new album Magnification. These new songs fit in very well with the older classic songs and they are really, really good!

Steve Howe get his own little solo spot with an acoustic guitar performing a beautiful classical piece (Vivaldi?) as well as Mood For A Day. Amazing and very, very beautiful! Alan White also gets to show his ability on a drum solo in Ritual (and he is also later joined by all the other band members banging on various percussion instruments!)

Keyboard player Tom Brislin does a good job imitating both Rick Wakeman and Patric Moraz, though he doesn't add much himself. The orchestra is really good and they really add to the music without overshadowing the band itself. Jon Anderson performes his vocals without any mistakes whatsoever, as usual. Chris Squire, once again, proves that he is the best and most innovative bassist in history with several bass solos, most notably in Ritual but also in other songs.

My only criticism is that the members of the orchestra does ridiculous things; holding their instruments up in the air, waving them around, and also in Roundabout the female members of the orchestra are allowed to dance around on stage! Please! Why!?

Still this show is amazing!

Review by progrules
PROG REVIEWER
4 stars As happens so often with albums (or in this case DVD's) the recent average of this release is exactly what it's worth to me. I just witnessed the full thing again and contemplated my rating thoroughly and it will have to be some 4,5 and that's what is got so far (4,46). Leaves the problem for the final rating but first of course let's go through this great live DVD.

Yes must have thought: let's start with the highlight. The first real song they play here is the super classic Close to the Edge. Even though the men get a little bit rusty after all those years and I have to get used to this nowadays status of the band members, I can only say: terrific performance. It's always a thrill to hear this great song but to see it played live by the band after 30 years still in an almost perfect way, it's really incredible, shivers down the spine, I can say no less. Jon Anderson makes a funny impression sometimes with his gestures, I mean I'm not a Yes fanboy so I'm not really into the band compared to the die heart fans so I'm not even sure what kind of person Jon is, but as the concert goes on, I find him more and more sympathetic. From time to time he applauds the fans in the Amsterdam concert hall as they applaud him. It's as if he is saying: isn't it a miracle that we're all still here together after these many many years of playing and touring. And so it is, the people in the audience are almost the same age as the band members I estimate and here they are gathered in this great venue, life has been kind to them and both musicians (including the orchestra !) and audience are having the time of their lives. A great experience. After the famous epic, two more average songs to calm things down before In the Presence of of their latest album Magnification takes its turn. Second great performance so far, a wonderful song. But after this it's peak time: Gates of Delirium ! The execution of this second super epic is even more perfect than Close to the Edge. Both songs compete within me for a long time about which is the ultimate best, it's very tough but on this live DVD Gates is the winner. The steel play of Howe is absolutely amazing. And after this Howe gets the opportunity to show more of his great class on an acoustic guitar. Breathtaking stuff, rightly so rewarded by the crowd and also admiring words from Anderson by the way.

After these highlights we have had the best of the concert but that's only logical. Yet there is enough to enjoy like Starship Trooper, And you and I and an impressive performance of Ritual. Last three songs are on itself dispensable for me but it has to be said: they gave the opportunity to the crowd to enjoy in another way, more like in a dance and enjoy way. In this way they pleased about everybody that was a witness of the great concert. But to most the real pleasure was being a witness ...

4 stars in the end because the set list wasn't the very best you can think of. If they would have played Awaken and Heart of the Sunrise as well, it would probably have been perfect. Still, the effort on Gates of Delirium made me have serious doubts about giving the full 5. A must have for every Yes fan and probably every prog fan.

Review by progkidjoel
PROG REVIEWER
5 stars Perhaps the best ever prog concert.

Review by ProgKidJoel

Yes' SYMPHONIC LIVE is, put simply, THE ultimate prog rock concert. Orchestra in full, entire reconstructions of what I consider to be the best ever prog tracks, and some awesome playing by guys in their late 50's. So what's not to like? Very little! The lack of Wakeman may disappoint some die-hard fans, although I myself, a self admitted Yes fanboy, couldn't have been more impressed by Brislin's playing. He truly does the tracks justice, as do the new arrangements, and I can't think of any complaints as far as the playing goes.

The setlist is fantastic, featuring some of the proggiest, some of the poppiest, and some of the best latest. Particular standouts are CttE, which is always awesome to hear, especially live, Gates Of Delirium, which is played a lot less live by the band than I would have hoped, and Starship Trooper, which features a nearly all-orchestral instrumentation.

The band plays perfectly, but the real stars of this show are the orchestra - It takes guts to do what they did, and they did it with absolutely no flaws. Even during the truly intense prog sections of Gates Of Delirium, the orchestra never slip up, and continue to thrill and re-invent at true masterpiece with every trumpet note and violin squeal. I rarely find myself so thrilled by performances of songs, but this is a real exception - Seeing the tracks reinvented like this shines a whole new light on the older tracks, and reinvigorates the new'uns.

The playing is brilliant - No slip ups whatsoever, and every note has just as much, if not more, heart and soul within it than it did on the originals. When a band can do what they did in 1972 better in 2002, you know they're something truly extraordinary, and this stands as a testament.

Easy 5 star! -Joel

Review by thehallway
PROG REVIEWER
5 stars One of Yes's best live releases and better than any other "attempts" by other bands to tour with a symphony orchestra.

I think I speak for us all when I say that the real gems here are the epics. 'CTTE', 'Gates...' and specifically 'Ritual', work EXTREMELY well with the orchestra, sounding fuller and brighter than ever, yet you can still hear the band. The set list overall, seems to be perfect. Exactly perfect. For me anyway. Loads of great songs are there, all the classics, plus some rarely played material as well.

Temporary keyboard player Tom Brislin is faultless, blending the respectful note-for-note solos of Wakeman and Moraz with his own energetic styles. Alan, Chris and Steve have played better but are also very energetic, no complaints there. Jon is wonderful as usual, leading the songs with his angelic voice, and occassionally dabbling in incidental percussion, acoustic guitar and keyboards. The orchestra deliver everything a Yes song could ask for plus more, and even keep up in the frantic battle section of 'Gates...'. Amsterdam is well filmed and lit. It's colourful and clear with only a few annoying shots (during 'Don't Go' for example). And the sound seems to be well mixed.

Watch this in surround sound for the ultimate symphonic prog experience.

Review by Marty McFly
SPECIAL COLLABORATOR Honorary Collaborator
5 stars High class concert by Yes. One of the first I've ever seen.

Performance is perfect, there are no errors (only I sense that keyboards were changed, playing short tone lengths instead of long on Close to the Edge), instead of obvious necessity choice - replacement of Rick Wakeman (what could they do anyway). Combination of Yes Symphonic sounds and Symphonic Orchestra sounds is perfect and also, done without mistakes, even some people who were used to certain (studio) version of these songs will be surprised, maybe little bit disturbed by changes that had to been made because of added orchestral element. Especially Gates of Delirium sounds stunning, this song brings feelings and moods that hits very soul of mine.

Maybe also because of orchestra, songs sounds good, even the new ones (which are basically worse then classic era ones). Jon could still sing well at the moment, even his spoken parts (before/after songs) is unusual experience (I'm not used to listen speaking someone with voice like his), even as I said, singing is perfect. I note that Steve Howe looks particulary good here, something that is not so easy to achieve (his pictures used to scare me when I was younger). He also uses guitar with chopped neck at one time. I thought it's just hidden from point when camera is taking the picture, but nope, it's not here at all.

Chris Squire wears nice cloak. And except he reminds me Pendragon vocalist (with Richie Blackmore mustache), he does a perfect job. Tom Brislin isn't bad, but jumping and behaving as wild as Jordan Rudess (or Neal Morse) doesn't fit here at all (with all these calm, aged, yet skilled and still perfect gentlemen). All women orchestra (it seems like that, they're hiding men in darkness and out of camera eye most of the time) gets proper limelight, even women are more visible.

I'm stunned and even I would like to see my two other favourite songs (new and old respectively) "Homeworld" and "Yours Is No Disgrace"

5(-), SYMPHONIC Prog Rock masterpiece, I want Rick anyway.

Review by AtomicCrimsonRush
SPECIAL COLLABORATOR Honorary Collaborator
5 stars This Yes live DVD is an incredible visual experience. Every member is at the top of their game; White, Squire, Anderson, Howe are of course as masterful as usual, but the real bonus here is the symphony orchestra that enhances every track with a grandiose classical touch - the European Festival Orchestra. The orchestra amalgamate with Yes to produce some of the greatest live Yes material. Of particular note are the stellar versions of 'Close To The Edge' all 20 minutes of it, 'In The Presence Of', 'The Gates Of Delirium' clocking 23:30, and one of the best renditions of 'Starship Trooper' I have heard.

The concert DVD also boasts some soloing from Steve Howe which is always a treat. The wonderful setlist includes 'Magnification', 'And You And I', and a 28 minute version of Topographic's 'Ritual'. Of course stalwart classics are here such as classy 'I've Seen All Good People', a different version of 'Owner Of A Lonely Heart' and the magnificent 'Roundabout'.

The sound quality is excellent and it all wraps up beautifully with some stellar special features. The Dreamtime documentary is fantastic fun viewing and the bonus video of 'Don't Go' is a nice touch. The menus work well and are cool eye candy, but of course the actual show is the piece de resistance. This is one of the best live performances and I always look forward to watching it. A masterpiece concert and one of a kind for the Yes fanatic.

Latest members reviews

4 stars My definition of how I feel about this DVD is that I couldn't understand why anyone wouldn't like this. There seems to be all the life and wisdom that a human being can attain summed up in these magnificent performances! It begins with a humble little overture that precedes the grand and timeless Cl ... (read more)

Report this review (#2605533) | Posted by Argentinfonico | Monday, October 18, 2021 | Review Permanlink

5 stars Yes have about 19 different concerts available on the market, from all different eras, with countless different line-ups and of differing quality. Yes Symphonic Live has the unique selling point of being performed live in conjunction with a Symphony Orchestra. The sound and visuals are top notc ... (read more)

Report this review (#529070) | Posted by Gentlegiantprog | Thursday, September 22, 2011 | Review Permanlink

5 stars This show is one of my favorites of all time and next to "90125"and his live version was my gateway to the Yes-when I saw it was on VHS! Wonder's "Close to the Edge" (but is actually orchestrated the opening track "Give Love Each Day"from the album "Magnification") until the final happy with "Rou ... (read more)

Report this review (#341937) | Posted by voliveira | Friday, December 3, 2010 | Review Permanlink

5 stars All of the superlatives already given to this DVD are well deserved. Yes digs back into their glorious past and pulls out some of their biggest epics. Ritual was especially amazing. They played three new tracks off of the last album and they range from very good to excellent. They finished ... (read more)

Report this review (#251738) | Posted by tdfloyd | Thursday, November 19, 2009 | Review Permanlink

5 stars Yes playing live with a real orchestra, that could be a real gem. But it could also be the ultimate disappointment as the band has already reached the status of legendary. So why bother about playing with an orchtestra with all the risks attached? This dvd gives a very clear answer to this ques ... (read more)

Report this review (#227517) | Posted by Theo Verstrael | Sunday, July 19, 2009 | Review Permanlink

4 stars After 2 years of getting into the prog power trio that is Genesis,King Crimson,and Yes (through my dad's old vinyl's) I came across this DVD on Amazon.My heart immediately started racing through my stomach. But it wasn't until 5 months later that they restocked on this item and I was able to buy ... (read more)

Report this review (#216656) | Posted by Spellcraft | Tuesday, May 19, 2009 | Review Permanlink

5 stars What to say ? The best Yes' songs with an orchestra behind ! Great versions of these classics... the best tracks are Close to the Edge, The Gates of Delirium, Ritual (Nous Sommes du Soleil), Starship Trooper and And You And I. The new songs Don't Go and Magnification are also extraordinary. It i ... (read more)

Report this review (#205156) | Posted by claugroi | Tuesday, March 3, 2009 | Review Permanlink

4 stars There's little doubt that Yes music is made for an orchestra. Not wasting time, the show went straight to Close to the Edge, which quite frankly, was painful to listen to at first. I understand the desire to play the songs we all love to hear live but it was really bad at first. Almost as if the ... (read more)

Report this review (#201461) | Posted by AmericanKhatru | Monday, February 2, 2009 | Review Permanlink

5 stars Symphonic Live is one of the best DVDs of all time. The tracklist is very well done. In consists songs from the fantastic Magnification, and also monumental epics and Yes hits. Band members play with impressive intensity, however they were not young at the time of the concert. Tom Brislin is a ... (read more)

Report this review (#200572) | Posted by DJourou | Sunday, January 25, 2009 | Review Permanlink

5 stars This is the ultimate concert DVD by any band! The earlier postings provide a great deal of excellent detailed reviews of the set list, orchestral performance, band performance, etc. so I won't expand on that. One aspect of this DVD that I haven't read much about is the sound quality and the ... (read more)

Report this review (#185076) | Posted by philsyes | Wednesday, October 8, 2008 | Review Permanlink

4 stars Excellent DVD! This is the best you're going to get out of the recent Yes DVD's. Having just released the decent "Magnification", the band toured, and had the help of local orchestras in concert. This particular show was filmed in Amsterdam (Perfect, the boys must have filled up on weed there) ... (read more)

Report this review (#110097) | Posted by OGTL | Wednesday, January 31, 2007 | Review Permanlink

2 stars It must be in the genetic make-up of every prog rock star that when they reach middle age (and beyond) and are maybe no longer 100% comfortable prancing around with guitars in hand, they feel compelled to hire an orchestra - as if the noble symphony orchestra, rich in history, by its very pres ... (read more)

Report this review (#88948) | Posted by The Mentalist | Monday, September 4, 2006 | Review Permanlink

5 stars Can perfection be achived by man? In one word: YES! Masterpiece tag. This is truly a mind-blowing experience. I suggest this DVD for every Yes-fan. This is simply put, the best live concert I have ever seen. The band is perfect, and Brislin does a great job replacing Wakeman. The orchestra co ... (read more)

Report this review (#88042) | Posted by Kleynan | Wednesday, August 23, 2006 | Review Permanlink

5 stars I have no words, this concert is perfect. The band is perfect, the orchestra is perfect, and the keyboardist Tom Brislin is also perfect and he replaced Rick Wakeman very well. The songs are fantastic and they are wonderfully ´performed by both band and orchestra. It all starts with an kickin ... (read more)

Report this review (#86719) | Posted by paixoxo | Friday, August 11, 2006 | Review Permanlink

5 stars This DVD covers Yes in performance in 2001-- with 33 years of experience in the bag of the band. Among the 15 tracks, there were three new songs-- Don't Go, In the presence of and Magnifications. Except for these three, all the other songs are great-- bearing the marks of the test of time. The th ... (read more)

Report this review (#82438) | Posted by Sharier | Sunday, July 2, 2006 | Review Permanlink

5 stars When I first saw this, I thought cool, YEs with an orchestra, so I picked it up. I was not expecting it to be this great! THere is so much energy still alive in this band throughout time. They play a great selection of music, including a bit from Magnification (which I personally liked) The DVD ... (read more)

Report this review (#81364) | Posted by kem828 | Saturday, June 17, 2006 | Review Permanlink

5 stars Another 5 star rating for this monster here. I'd actually never seen Yes perform live, either in person or on video until watching this DVD. I must say that I am highly impressed at exactly how precise their execution was despite the complexity of the songs played in addition to the symphonic o ... (read more)

Report this review (#74816) | Posted by | Wednesday, April 12, 2006 | Review Permanlink

5 stars Symphonic Live is truly nothing short of incredible. From their Magnification tour, they have an orchestra backing them. Wakeman wasn't present here, but that can't be a bad thing because it means the inclusion of one of Yes' finest works The Gates of Delirium. Towards the end of this song it ... (read more)

Report this review (#65832) | Posted by | Saturday, January 21, 2006 | Review Permanlink

5 stars Ok, I'm biased. To say the least five stars. Six would do/be better... Yes has always been an orchestrated progressive group. The concepts and the philosophies are hard put to be confined to the limits of "Rock-n-Roll". The philosophies, the words, the instruments, the vocals. The complex i ... (read more)

Report this review (#44172) | Posted by John Dough | Thursday, August 25, 2005 | Review Permanlink

4 stars This is quite possibly the best Yes live video available. First of all, the sound quality is amazing. I actually recorded all the songs from this DVD onto a couple audio discs so that I could listen to the music on its own. Second of all, the set list is pretty close to perfect. The setlis ... (read more)

Report this review (#38539) | Posted by | Tuesday, July 5, 2005 | Review Permanlink

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