Classical instruments in Prog?
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URL: http://www.progarchives.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=35413
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Topic: Classical instruments in Prog?
Posted By: Ian C Williams
Subject: Classical instruments in Prog?
Date Posted: March 12 2007 at 13:26
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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. ------------- A Desert Island? [IMG]http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i101/Penumbran/INMYTREE.png" border="0 |
Replies:
Posted By: Man Erg
Date Posted: March 12 2007 at 13:32
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Gryphon used any amount of concerto instruments both contemporary and ancient (e.g. Bassoon and Crumbhorn).Early Barclay James Harvest also utilised the concert orchestra whose arranger was Robert John Godfrey who formed The Enid and did like-wise arrangements for them. ------------- 
Do 'The Stanley' otherwise I'll thrash you with some rhubarb. |
Posted By: darkmatter
Date Posted: March 12 2007 at 13:41
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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. |
Posted By: Man Erg
Date Posted: March 12 2007 at 13:46
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Godspeed You Black Emporor!
The line up consists of cellists and violinists in the studio and, on the odd occasion, the whole lot play live when the venue/stage can accomodate them. -------------
Do 'The Stanley' otherwise I'll thrash you with some rhubarb. |
Posted By: Mascodagama
Date Posted: March 12 2007 at 13:49
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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.
EDIT: If you want to look outside the symphonic prog sub-genre, there's a bunch of "chamber rock" bands making more avant-leaning music using orchestral instruments. Your first port of call here should probably be Univers Zero (e.g. the albums Heresie, Ceux Du Dehors, or Live). Unfortunately there aren't any samples on PA. ------------- Soldato of the Pan Head Mafia. We'll make you an offer you can't listen to. http://bandcamp.com/jpillbox" rel="nofollow - Bandcamp Profile |
Posted By: Man Erg
Date Posted: March 12 2007 at 14:04
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King Crimson used David Cross' violin to great effect especially on the classic, Lark's Tongues in Aspic album
The Mahavishnu Orchestra (Jerry Goodman ex Flock) and PFM were other bands amongst many that utilised the violin (predominantly electric) during the 1970's. The concert harp is also getting an airing of late. Joanna Newsom, one of the burgeoning new Prog/Acid folk brigade plays the harp on both of her albums. I;m sure she may be considered inclusion in PAs one day.   -------------
Do 'The Stanley' otherwise I'll thrash you with some rhubarb. |
Posted By: Sir Hogweed
Date Posted: March 12 2007 at 14:22
| ^Yes, After Crying use these instruments in abundance. Try De Profundis or After Crying 6. Great stuff IMHO. |
Posted By: Drakk
Date Posted: March 12 2007 at 14:53
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A great example, and possibly one of my favorites. You could find alot of classical instruments in the Avantgarde genre. Estradasphere and Sleepytime Gorilla Museum both use several classical instruments in their music.------------- [QUOTE=darkshade] [QUOTE=Sckxyss] I'm disappointed - neither of these players are avant-garde! Al di Meola. [/QUOTE] haha i know. but the poll itself is avant-garde [/QUOTE] |
Posted By: Someo Therguy
Date Posted: March 12 2007 at 15:09
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Frank Zappa did tons of orchestral and chamber music that, while not always prog, certainly appeals to the prog mindset.
The Italian prog group Deus Ex Machina does a really nice string quartet with vocals on their latest CD "Cinque". Violin figures prominantly on all their CDs.
Drummer extraordinaire Terry Bozzio does amazing stuff with the drumset in a chamber orchestra setting on his "Chamber Works" CD. It includes Five Movements for Drumset String quarted and Woodwind quintet. He also has a DVD performance with the Tosca Strings. Would I call it prog? Hmmmm...... Oh, he also has a CD of chamber works with the Metropole Orkest.
Guitar player Steve Morse does fabulous Baroque style arrangements for Guitar, Violin, Bass and Keyboards. There's at least one on every Dixie Dregs CD.
I haven't heard it, but Mike Keneally has a CD with the Metropole Orkest called "The Universe Will Provide" I've been told it's fabulous.
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Posted By: andu
Date Posted: March 12 2007 at 15:19
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Ian, if you're looking for cello & stuff in prog, the experimental area might give better result. Godspeed is a good start. I would also recommend Domnisoara Pogany, a band at the borders between postrock, avant & folk, consisting of acoustic guitar & mandolin, cello, flute and percussion. If you're interested, I could help you with some samples.
------------- "PA's own GI Joe!" 
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Posted By: erik neuteboom
Date Posted: March 12 2007 at 15:48
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The viola work (it's not a violin The Snow Goose by Camel has strong classical overtones. The Moody Blues, Procol Harum, Deep Purple and Uriah Heep made an album with a classical orchestra.
The bombastic keyboard sound on the early The Enid albums is like a classical orchestra, very unique and compelling prog I will check out my collection later, Ian, good luck with your quest.
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Posted By: Chus
Date Posted: March 12 2007 at 15:55
That reminded me of the rather harsh reactions the guys made at the PROG RADIO thread towards an Enid track that was played that night (afternoon for me
 ) in Dick Heath's Alternative Alternative radio show; in fact it meet our concept of cheese (I believe it just had the wrong audience). Another one comes to mind: Anglagard utilises a classically-trained female flute player ------------- Jesus Gabriel |
erik neuteboom wrote:Posted By: Zac M
Date Posted: March 12 2007 at 15:58
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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.
------------- "Art is not imitation, nor is it something manufactured according to the wishes of instinct or good taste. It is a process of expression." -Merleau-Ponty |
Posted By: Chus
Date Posted: March 12 2007 at 16:01
Well of course, the rant arise for me particularly on that track, while others are already traumatized over it  ------------- Jesus Gabriel |
Posted By: Zac M
Date Posted: March 12 2007 at 16:04
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Try to find "Six Pieces," I think it's impossible not to like if you like complex, symphonic Prog.
------------- "Art is not imitation, nor is it something manufactured according to the wishes of instinct or good taste. It is a process of expression." -Merleau-Ponty |
Posted By: Chus
Date Posted: March 12 2007 at 16:06
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.------------- Jesus Gabriel |
Posted By: Zac M
Date Posted: March 12 2007 at 16:08
I can relate, I already own around 15 Enid albums though, I think  , call me a fanboy------------- "Art is not imitation, nor is it something manufactured according to the wishes of instinct or good taste. It is a process of expression." -Merleau-Ponty |
Posted By: Ian C Williams
Date Posted: March 12 2007 at 16:10
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Well, we have Godspeed... I completely forgot about them, and am listening to my three album repertoire now. I have always considered them a partly-"classical" ensemble, though, creating their own miniature symphonies at times. At any rate, they give me more appreciation of the "classical" genre than Beethoven ever did.
------------- A Desert Island? [IMG]http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i101/Penumbran/INMYTREE.png" border="0 |
Posted By: Ian C Williams
Date Posted: March 12 2007 at 16:14
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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. ------------- A Desert Island? [IMG]http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i101/Penumbran/INMYTREE.png" border="0 |
Posted By: andu
Date Posted: March 12 2007 at 16:14
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...and also you should try "No Quarter Unledded" by Jimmy Page and Robert Plant, a great meeting with good ol' prog-related and various traditional folklore/classical instruments.
------------- "PA's own GI Joe!"
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Posted By: spleenache
Date Posted: March 12 2007 at 17:18
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Univers Zero
Far Corner
Larval
There are so many I can't think of them right now
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Posted By: fuxi
Date Posted: March 12 2007 at 17:56
| There are some exquisite parts for cello, clarinet and bassoon on OF QUEUES AND CURES by National Health, one of the very best 'Canterbury' albums. |
Posted By: aspinosa
Date Posted: March 12 2007 at 20:43
| Try Eletric Light Orchestra (no answer) , Parzival, Hory Kone, etc. |
Posted By: fuxi
Date Posted: March 13 2007 at 04:42
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Equally wonderful is Geoff Richardson's viola playing on such Caravan albums as FOR GIRLS WHO GROW PLUMP..., LIVE AT FAIRFIELD HALLS and even the much-maligned BETTER BY FAR.
The latter comes close to being a 'pop' album, but it does include one of Caravan's loveliest instrumentals (with the main tune played on viola), 'The Last Unicorn'. Moreover, it also includes a tongue-in-cheek ode to string ensembles (again with excellent viola), 'Silver Strings'. |
Posted By: andu
Date Posted: March 13 2007 at 18:01
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Here's a fantastic rendition of "Zed Leppelin"'s "Kashmir", with violin and flute, a cover done by some bunch of n00b calling themselves ... Jethro Tull: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4tzTbOa0_A - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4tzTbOa0_A ------------- "PA's own GI Joe!"
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Posted By: Vibrationbaby
Date Posted: March 13 2007 at 18:10
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Many prog bands from the seventies used "classical " or archaic instruments particularily stringed istruments. A few that come to mind which haven`t been mentioned. Babe Ruth on the album First Base, Curved Air, Omega used a string section beautifully with synths on the 1975 album Hall of Floaters in the Sky as well as on some of their early Hungarian recordings, Amon Duul II on Hijack & Made In Germany, Focus used everything from flute & piccolo to a harpsichord. Akkerman featured the Lute on numerous recordings the most notable being his 1973 solo album Tabernakel. Grobschnitt also used strings on their self-titled 1973 debut. I`m suprised nobody has mentioned Anekdoten yet! Although they started out in the early 90`s. It was great to hear these older instruments particularily when they were "stealing" classical themes and incorporating them into modern compositions. ------------- |
Posted By: asimplemistake
Date Posted: March 13 2007 at 23:44
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although its not classical instruments in the way you are thinking of it, Orphaned Land uses a lot of traditional middle eastern instruments. They do play progressive metal with some death metal vocals, but ive gotten used to them (only for them and Opeth though). I do really like their mix of traditional instruments and the guitars and drums and all. go listen to their sound sample and you'll see what i mean by the middle eastern instruments. its cool (especially cause they're from Isreal) |
Posted By: Rando
Date Posted: March 14 2007 at 18:47
 ------------- - Music is Life, that's why our hearts have beats - |
Posted By: Chicapah
Date Posted: March 15 2007 at 08:49
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I'm surprised no one's mentioned King Crimson's "Lizard" with its extensive use of oboe, trombone, coronet and piano. Definitely avant garde but incredibly well played and never dull for a moment. ------------- "Literature is well enough, as a time-passer, and for the improvement and general elevation and purification of mankind, but it has no practical value" - Mark Twain |
Posted By: Atomic_Rooster
Date Posted: March 15 2007 at 09:49
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check out my old defunct medieval prog thread for some more recommendations... but i would have to say that just about every band has messed around with that esoteric classical instrument, the piano, which is a very odd instrument indeed... dating back to around....................... Just about every instrument is derived from a classical source, including the guitar, violin, flute, piano, oboe, sax is used in classical music, bassoon, trumpet, whatever, every band has some instrument scavenged from antiquity ------------- I am but a servant of the mighty Fripp, the sound of whose loins shall forever be upon the tongues of his followers. |
Posted By: Thyme Traveler
Date Posted: March 15 2007 at 11:03
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lots of examples of classical instruments being used in prog.
I'm a big fan of oboe(and other double reed instruments), and here are some of my favorite uses of oboe in prog:
Also, Peter Gabriel played oboe on a few Genesis tracks, although it's kind of hard to tell as he didn't feature his oboe playing as much as his flute playing- Can-Utility(most notably the arpeggios following the lyrics "cast by a cloud" but a few other places) and Cinema Show (between 3:10 and 3:30) are two examples of songs with oboe if you listen carefully. ------------- Fire up the flux capacitor ! We're taking this Delorean through all four dimensions. What is the future of prog ? Genesis reunion ? I'm not telling!That could upset the thyme/space continuum. |
Posted By: xenuwantsyou
Date Posted: March 15 2007 at 15:04
| Epitaph has some great use of winds. |
Posted By: andrea
Date Posted: March 15 2007 at 15:37
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Well, try this one...
http://www.progarchives.com/Progressive_rock_discography_CD.asp?cd_id=2306 - http://www.progarchives.com/Progressive_rock_discography_CD.asp?cd_id=2306
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Posted By: Marcos
Date Posted: March 15 2007 at 16:38
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I love Gentle Giant's orchestration (or instrumentation (?)) ------------- www.postmortemweb.com.ar |
Posted By: A B Negative
Date Posted: March 16 2007 at 07:38
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I love Three Variations on the Canon in D Major by Pachelbel on Discreet Music by Brian Eno. Strings are used to great effect as the music is slowly stretched and unfolded around you.
Although not prog, Penguin Cafe Orchestra play some fine music on (mostly) classical instruments.
------------- "The disgusting stink of a too-loud electric guitar.... Now, that's my idea of a good time." |