Classical instruments in Prog?

Now, it may seem like a no-brainer to indicate Symphonic Prog as users of classical instruments such as the French Horn, Cello, Violin, and Concert Harp. However, I have heard scant amounts of these in the so-called symphony genre; in fact, I have heard more in Art Rock. Gentle Giant's meanderings have shown me that classical acoustic instruments can work in prog. Renaissance is the only symphonic band I have heard which utilizes a full orchestra, as evident in "Scheherazade...".

Does anyone know of classical instruments, such as those used in concertos, sonatas, symphonies, quartets, etc, are/have been used in prog? Sure, we've got the everbeautiful Mellotron, but those are mere tape banks, not the actual acoustic instruments! I ask this because the cello and concert piano are literally my favourite instruments. I have also composed for cello and piano, gaining an even greater respect; now, what if it were in prog? I'd been very happy to know that, but I know zero examples.

The prog metal band Indukti uses a violin as a primary instrument, I think it works very well with the music.

Also, Pure Reason Revolution uses a violin in some songs.

The music of Hungarian symph-prog band After Crying relies heavily on traditional orchestral instruments.  I'm not really familiar with their work though, so I can't give any specific recommendation.  I think there is a sound sample on PA.

Edited by Mascodagama - March 12 2007 at 14:01

^Yes, After Crying use these instruments in abundance. Try De Profundis or After Crying 6. Great stuff IMHO.

The viola work (it's not a violin  ) in Hoelderlin is wonderful, especially on their live album Traumstadt. Other great prog with violin is Italian band PFM and Japanese band Outer Limits, my favorite album is The Scene Of Pale Blue.

The Snow Goose by Camel has strong classical overtones.

The bombastic keyboard sound on the early The Enid albums is like a classical orchestra, very unique and compelling prog

Edited by erik neuteboom - March 12 2007 at 15:57

Maybe you heard the wrong Enid track? I mean "Six Pieces" and "In the Region..." are hardly cheesy and definitely the proggiest albums. The others go deeper into strict classical, pop, new wave, new age, dance, etc etc etc... You can't really dismiss a band on the basis of one track.

Try to find "Six Pieces," I think it's impossible not to like if you like complex, symphonic Prog.

Chus wrote: Zac M wrote: Try to find "Six Pieces," I think it's impossible not to like if you like complex, symphonic Prog.    Will do but in a much later stage, because money right now is not exactly flooding for me right now. Plus I have a full wishlist already. Thanks anyway for the recommendation.

I can relate, I already own around 15 Enid albums though, I think, call me a fanboy

Oh and of course I had to forget the Enid! The songs "In the Region of Summer Stars", and "The Lovers" from the latter's eponymous album truly struck me. The sound of trumpet bursting serenely over water, evolving into a rock-oriented-yet-still-classical piece, still affects me. To a greater degree, the latter of the two mentioned evokes images inside me of Liszt's slower pieces for piano; Debussy's and Satie's music as well. The addition of strings, and then slight horns, makes it one of my favourite progressive music pieces.

Shame they aren't actual acoustic instruments, except perhaps a grand piano? Hah.