I'd like to ask Kal,

what would you recommend a Yes/Pink Floyd/Porcupine Tree fan who wants to start listening to classical music - something in a similar vein perhaps; multichannel recordings preferred either format is ok

thanks

slightly offtopic here

I'd like to ask Kal,

what would you recommend a Yes/Pink Floyd/Porcupine Tree fan who wants to start listening to classical music - something in a similar vein perhaps; multichannel recordings preferred either format is ok

thanksI have no idea since I am unfamiliar with Yes and Porcupine Tree. As for Floyd, I only know DSOTM. You might have better luck asking someone who came from where you are instead of someone who was always into classical.

As a fan of Yes and Floyd (have never listened to Porcupine Tree), I would suggest organ and piano heavy works, as well as Romantic period symphonies (German and Russian, in particular).

As a fan of Yes and Floyd (have never listened to Porcupine Tree), I would suggest organ and piano heavy works, as well as Romantic period symphonies (German and Russian, in particular).

I remember a review of Yes' "Tales of Topographic Oceans" in Stereo Review that compared it favorably in its use of motivic material to Mahler's symphonies. That could be a start. Mahler as a beginning...and an end.

Greg

thanks Kal, Ovation Greg. I will start with Mahler and scout the Romantic period symphonies:)

Ovation - you're missing out on some awesome 'new' music especially in surround; early PT has shades of Floyd esp Sky Moves Sideways, Voyage34 (listen to samples on Amazon and some clips on YouTube). If you are dipping your finger in, try the In Absentia DVD-Audio

---- end of sidetrack; if anyone has other recommendations please PM me thanks ----

I have no idea since I am unfamiliar with Yes and Porcupine Tree. As for Floyd, I only know DSOTM. You might have better luck asking someone who came from where you are instead of someone who was always into classical.

Kal, generally I dig your writing and your opinions. But don't act so soiled that someone has asked you about Yes and PT. You do have an idea. If rocks not your thing, then say that. To knock it down makes you sound like a Classical Snob.

Kal, generally I dig your writing and your opinions. But don't act so soiled that someone has asked you about Yes and PT. You do have an idea. If rocks not your thing, then say that. To knock it down makes you sound like a Classical Snob.That was my intention. To my knowledge, I have never heard either group but I could be wrong; I do recognize the names. I do listen to some rock but mostly stuff from decades back or stuff I stumbled on. That said, I listen to what appeals to me.

As a fan of Yes and Floyd (have never listened to Porcupine Tree), I would suggest organ and piano heavy works, as well as Romantic period symphonies (German and Russian, in particular).Try the Mahler Symphonies 2 and 6. Try Shostakovich Sym. 5 and 8. Prokofiev #2. Tchaikovsky 1812, Sym. #4. Saint-Saens Organ Sym. Franck Sym.

Try the Mahler Symphonies 2 and 6. Try Shostakovich Sym. 5 and 8. Prokofiev #2. Tchaikovsky 1812, Sym. #4. Saint-Saens Organ Sym. Franck Sym.

I can vouch for the ones I've placed in bold in relation to Yes, especially. I'm not familiar enough with the others though I have no doubt they are wonderful.

thanks again Kal/Ovation :)

I am in the same boat as SiriuslyCold.

For those of you who've listened to the bands below, these are my greatest musical influences and literally, what I *grew up* listening to and playing myself on the guitar.

Pink Floyd
Boston
Eagles
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
Alan Parson's Project

I have of course, migrated from those (still love 'em!), to various other artists and genres...

Anberlin
AC/DC
Metallica
Satriani <<<<BIG influence in my own recordings
Scorpions
Iron Maiden
Refreshments
Van Halen

That being said, the closest I've come to listening and enjoying classical music, would be Beethoven's Symphonies No. 5 & 7, and the "Great Film Fantasies" SACD. I particularly enjoy the Star Wars type music - please no insults about whether that 'counts' as classical or not.

On a short aside - I found the tempo of the Star Wars main theme to be a bit quick on Great Film Fantasies.

I have a pair of MFW-15s, so subsonic bass doesn't frighten me (at least to 14Hz), and some of my favourite instrumental pieces from the above artists:

Echoes by Pink Floyd
Karn Evil No. 9 by ELP
On the Run by Pink Floyd
Siruis by Alan Paron's Project
Foreplay/Long Time by Boston

If anyone has some suggestions as great classical introductions that might be enjoyable based on my current musical experiences, please throw me a bone. :) Specific orchestra/conductor combinations if multiple choices are available would be appreciated as well.

Thanks to all who reply and help me expand my musical library. You won't be held accountable if I end up not liking some of the suggestions! ;)

Keep 'em coming, guys ;)

thanks to Alan for splitting the posts out

For a rocker wanting to tip-toe into classical, maybe pick up Deep Purple's "Concerto for Group and Orchestra". It is not really classical and since it is Deep Purple teamed with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, it is definitely cheating. However, the performance contains several symphonic movements broken up by "Child In Time" (and a few other early DP tunes), which might keep a rocker from getting too bored. It is a live performance from 1969 and far from perfect, but it might be interesting for some. The DVD-A version is still available new and used at Amazon for cheap.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000AINOD

Pictures at an Exhibition the classical version and the ELP version

Siriusly Cold: I was coming from the same place as you mostly and here are some of my favorites (incl version). In most cases, these are considered by many to be reference recordings in both performance and sound quality. I STRONGLY recommend you check out the site www.classicstoday.com, as they have 1000s of reviews and judge both performance and sound quality.

*Holst's The Planets -- Telarc with Atlanta Orchestra, Levi conducting (CD only though)
*Camille Saint-Saens Symponie No 3 -- new SACD from Atma Classical
*Beethoven 5th -- BIS SACD
*Rossini Complete Works of Piano -- Channel Classics SACD, I only have Vol 7 so far but it sounds tremendous and the playing is wonderful. Just ignore the awful cover art.
*Debussey's La Mer -- RCA Living Stereo SACD

The others pointed out the Mahler and some others that are glorious as well. You can use the site I linked above to find the best quality recordings. Once you experience some of these, you can branch out and find others.

Trust me, it will probably take some time getting used to listening to classical. Growing up on pop/rock/prog is such a different musical experience that it may take a while to adjust.

I would really say start with The Planets and Saint-Saens Symphonie No3, and maybe Mahlers 2nd. They have some truly beautiful and very powerfully dynamic moments that are a treat to hear.

I second Holst: The Planets, but I also think Beethoven is the ultimate progressive classical composer.I have no doubt if he lived today he would be in a rock band, and yes he would play the guitar as well as keyboards. :)

His Symphonies 3,5,7,9 would be a good start. His Piano Concerto #5 [The Emperor] would really show what a virtuoso he was.

Vivaldi, and Bach also have some awesome works that you might like.

*Camille Saint-Saens Symponie No 3 -- new SACD from Atma ClassicalIt's OK. I'd suggest the Ondine with the Philadelphia/Eschenbach or the classic Munch/BSO on RCA Living Stereo or, even the Pentatone.

I would really say start with The Planets and Saint-Saens Symphonie No3, and maybe Mahlers 2nd. They have some truly beautiful and very powerfully dynamic moments that are a treat to hear.Best sounding M2 is the Fischer/Channel Classics.

I'm a jazz and classical guy myself so I wouldn't even be able to identify Pink Floyd. I would think that steady rhythm might appeal to a rock music fan. Anything written prior to Beethoven would qualify, I think. Mozart was a master of composition. Some of his compositions are among my favorite pieces. The Serenade in G (Eine Kleine Nachtmusik) is a good one. Piano concerto #21 is very popular as is Symphony #40. You might like Vivaldi's Four Seasons or Bach's Brandenburg Concertos for music even older than Mozart's. All of these works will be rhythmic.

If you like more modern musical structures, I always recommend George Gershwin, a great American composer who includes some jazz elements in some of his compositions. You would certainly recognize his "Rhapsody in Blue" as the United Airlines commercial theme.

People who are new to classical music often like to hear familiar themes. Try some of Tchaikovsky's ballets and the 1812 Overture and his First Piano Concerto or Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata and Ninth Symphony or the Grieg Piano Concerto or any number of classical "hits" that have become familiar to many people. There are CD's available with popular themes. The Boston Pops Orchestra, as an example has recorded many of them. They are a fine orchestra. You can look for their recordings at the store. Hope you find the quest enjoyable.

Sorry I recommended so many piano pieces. I'm a pianist and I tend to be a little biased that way.

Telarc's Tchaikovsky (http://www.telarc.com/gscripts/title.asp?gsku=0541) 1812 Overture (and others like the Capriccio Italien) DSD recording is an excellent choice for a rock fan. It has familiar tunes and the sound quality from the ting of the triangles to the kick of the kettle drums (and don't forget the church bells and the killer cannons) is to die for.

I'm a jazz and classical guy myself so I wouldn't even be able to identify Pink Floyd. I would think that steady rhythm might appeal to a rock music fan.

thanks for the whole writeup FMW - nicely done.

I mentioned Pink Floyd because its most well known of prog rock, but in terms of music I'm thinking more of Yes - there's some steady rhythm but mostly a lot of - not a musician myself - chord / structural changes? If I had to pick a tune that illustrates this, it would probably be Close to The Edge (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJdg2GcfEsg)

It's OK. I'd suggest the Ondine with the Philadelphia/Eschenbach or the classic Munch/BSO on RCA Living Stereo or, even the Pentatone.



Kal, just wondering what you didn't like about the Atma recording. It is on the more precise lean side of things (which they had to do to get a decent sounding recording from that church), as compared to a warmer sound. Is this your dislike or is it the performance itself?

A little of both. I did say "It's OK." I didn't say I didn't like it. Frankly, I have heard so many recordings of this and it is probably the 5th one I have on SACD,3-4 on LP and at least 3-4 on CD, so it would take something special, like the Eschenbach, to stand out.

Interesting stuff. I can see why the band has a strong following. It isn't hard to hear the jazz elements in the music at all. Go listen to some Gershwin. It is pretty modern by classical music standards but has some of the same elements in it. Rhapsody in Blue, An American Paris are a couple you might like.

Also find some of Igor Stravinsky's compositions. He is a master of discord - truly unique chord structures for the genre. Very interesting music. You won't fall asleep listening to it. Look for Rite of Spring and the Firebird Suite. This may take some time to get into for someone not familiar with classical but give it a try. Based on the Pink Floyd you sent me to hear, these might be good choices for you.

In the meantime, I'm going back to the piano and guitar to practice for a while. On piano I'm currently working on Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata and on Guitar I'm working on an arrangement of The Shadow of your smile on classical guitar. Here's a You Tube link to a nice arrangement that motivated my interest in the project. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2CCfSmqSwg

The player has wonderful tone and makes the arrangement really sing on his guitar. You can probably understand why it motivates me. Take care. Back to Beethoven.

You can also try Ricardo Chailly's recording with the Concertgebouw Orchestra of Olivier Messian's Turangalila Symphony on Decca SACD. It features the first symphonic use of the ondes martenot, which is a forerunner of the modern synthesizer. For those familiar with the soundtrack to The Day the Earth Stood Still, the sci-fi film starring Michael Rennie, the theremin ( a similar device) provided the eerie highlights to the film. The ondes martenot operates by placing greater or lesser tension on a string connected to the oscillator, which changes the pitch of the note. NOTE: The theremin, a similar forerunner, operated by moving the hand closer or farther from a pair of charged antennas to change the pitch.

I've still been looking for any of Isao Tomita's synthesizer recordings redone for SACD. He redid many classical pieces in ways that were very interesting. One of my personal favorites was his rendition of Prokofiev's Symphony #5. I used to listen to this with the Carver Sonic Hologram Generator, which produced a psuedo-surround field very effectively with Tomita's recordings (they used many out-of-phase effects that worked especially well with the Carver.)

More later if time permits.

Lee

In the meantime, I'm going back to the piano and guitar to practice for a while. On piano I'm currently working on Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata and on Guitar I'm working on an arrangement of The Shadow of your smile on classical guitar. Here's a You Tube link to a nice arrangement that motivated my interest in the project. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2CCfSmqSwg

The player has wonderful tone and makes the arrangement really sing on his guitar. You can probably understand why it motivates me. Take care. Back to Beethoven.

I guess you must have AIX Records' Moonlight Acoustica (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exoXXnxjgWM) I thought that was wonderfully done.

I've still been looking for any of Isao Tomita's synthesizer recordings redone for SACD.

Right - synth reworkings of The Planets etc.

Actually I kinda liked (don't flame me) MECO's treatment of the Star Wars theme


anyhow, I ordered this today

http://www.sa-cd.net/covers/2736.jpg (http://www.sa-cd.net/showtitle/2736)

Shostakovich: Symphony No. 5 - London Symphony Orchestra, Mstislav Rostropovich (conductor)

hope its a decent version

You can also try Ricardo Chailly's recording with the Concertgebouw Orchestra of Olivier Messian's Turangalila Symphony on Decca SACD. It features the first symphonic use of the ondes martenot, which is a forerunner of the modern synthesizer. For those familiar with the soundtrack to The Day the Earth Stood Still, the sci-fi film starring Michael Rennie, the theremin ( a similar device) provided the eerie highlights to the film. The ondes martenot operates by placing greater or lesser tension on a string connected to the oscillator, which changes the pitch of the note. NOTE: The theremin, a similar forerunner, operated by moving the hand closer or farther from a pair of charged antennas to change the pitch.There's also a Previn DVD-A on EMI which I much prefer as a performance. Unfortunately, the best performance IMHO is by Hans Vonk but that's not multichannel.

Back in the early 70's I had decided my musical taste had elivated to the point where I could, and would, make the transition to ' Classical " . I spent a good deal of money only to realize classical music was not by bag. Along the way I did find other types of music that tweaked my intrest. Oso Tomita, Jeane Michael Jarre, Tangerine Dream to name a few.
Today there is some realy fantastic music transending any genre.These days are a music lovers delight.

There's also a Previn DVD-A on EMI which I much prefer as a performance. Unfortunately, the best performance IMHO is by Hans Vonk but that's not multichannel.

I had the Previn on the EMI double LP set, if it's the same performance you're speaking of. It was good, and I didn't know that it had been remixed for multichannel and released. I'll keep my eyes open.

One of the wildest classical music experiences I had was seeing the Cleveland Orchestra perform Turangalila with Esa-Pekka Salonen. They nearly blew the roof off Severance Hall! The old season-ticket holder codgers were cheering like it was a Who concert......

Lee

Back in the early 70's I had decided my musical taste had elivated to the point where I could, and would, make the transition to ' Classical " . I spent a good deal of money only to realize classical music was not by bag. Along the way I did find other types of music that tweaked my intrest. Oso Tomita, Jeane Michael Jarre, Tangerine Dream to name a few.
Today there is some realy fantastic music transending any genre.These days are a music lovers delight.

Imagine if you had the internet back then... it'd help narrow down your choices :)

I've not listened to any particular genre exclusively - sure rock is my main interest, but there's some prog rock, metal, fusion jazz, electronica, new age and other kinds of music in my library.

So I'm not trying to elevate my tastes - expand perhaps - and partly because 1) I love surround music, 2) there are tons of classical releases in multichannel and 3) there must be some among those that I could come to like... hopefully

Browsing tonight and ran across this. I'll be up front and state I tend to lean towards being the classical snob, as in - all music's not equal. But that doesn't mean rock/pop isn't worth a listen. I think in some cases the better "popular" pieces are greater than the lesser "classical" ones. History will be the judge. My musical background will really make you scratch your head. Motown was my 1st attraction. Then it kinda went - Rare Earth - War - Moody Blues - Classical. Even now, one of my guilty pleasures is Boogie Woogie piano and the like(listen to James P. Johnson's Mule Walk on Fascinatin' Rhythm by Alan Feinberg for an example of this in an elevated form). I'll echo some of others suggestions and offer some of my own, and mostly stay in the late romantic/modern era as that's what we're used to thanks to film scores(many of those guys aren't all that original, although that doesn't make the score bad).

Holst - The Planets. If you like the Star Wars music, this is part of it's inspiration. I can also remember hearing instances of Prokofiev in Williams scoring(other movies).

Prokofiev - Romeo and Juliet. You've even heard some of this masterful score in commercials. His 5th Symphony(most respected, 1, 5, and 6 are IMHO his best) has a hair raising sequence in the 1st movement.

Shostakovitch - A truly great composer working under totalitarianism(according to a controversial book the 5th symphony is not exactly how it might first appear especially in the finale). I would recommend Symphony 1(put him on the map), 5(most popular), 8(for the rock gang, 2 incredibly rhythmic back to back movements), 10(maybe his greatest, with his musical motif prominantly on display), 11(a hair raising sequence, which is not uncommon in this composers music, in the first movement - the best I know is DePriest on Delos) and 13(vocal and choral forces). The Piano Concertos(2) are very worthy. Also, the film scores(he wrote a huge amount of music for that medium). I would recommend The Gadfly on Naxos for a good performance/cheap price. A lesser known favorite of mine is The Execution Of Stepan Razin.

Orff - 1 recommendation here, and I'm suprised no one mentioned it - Carmina Burana. Like Le Sacre(Stravinsky), a work based almost entirely on rhythm. That's an exaggeration but after listening you'll see what I mean. If the de la Fuente recording is still available, I'd recommend that version. It's live and a little on the rough and ready side, but played with considerable feeling, and is capped off by a audience response worthy of a rock concert.

Gliere - Symphony #3(get the Chandos) has everything and the kitchen sink. It's big, loud, long(diff. versions)mythic, and heroic. A lot of classical music lovers will look down their noses at this and listen as a guilty pleasure. I say it's fantastic. It is what it is and doesn't make any pretenses otherwise. There's a disc of orchestral music on Chandos(CHAN 9518) that I really love.

Strauss - Very full, rich, late romantic orchestrations. Nimbus NI 5235 has the 3 mandatory pieces(Don Juan, Death And Transfiguration, and Till Eulenspiegel + Rosenkavalier) in beautiful performances, not that I'll dispute any one elses choice.

Respighi - Colorful. Many great performances ot the famous Roman Trilogy - Roman Festivals(kinda bombastic), The Fountains Of Rome, and The Pines Of Rome which is capped off by a march into sonic splendor.

Bach - I know I said late romantic, but this guys music is the most transportable there is. By that I mean his music is more agreeable to different instrumentations or orchestrations than probably any other composer. The standard recommendation in the keyboard works is Gould's first recording of the Goldberg Variations, and I find it hard to argue that. Then get some of the organ works. Some of my favorites are the Passacaglia and Fugue in C Minor BWV582 and the Fantasia and Fugue in G Minor BWV542. This composer, who may be the greatest to ever write, dedicated everything to God(Jesus, Joy Of Man's Desiring BWV 147), and it shows. I can't tell you how many times I've listened to Hurford's London recording of the 542 Fugue(unfortunately different recordings didn't have the same effect) before going to bed, whereupon all seemed right with the universe.

Delius - Languorous. If that seems like a desirable state of mind, most of this guys output will help get you there. Kickback music.

Gottschalk - America's first matinee idol. This performing virtuoso(piano) was quite a dandy, and ladies man, making a display of taking off white gloves before a performance. If you can find the Ivan Davis Weekend Classics recording, grab it.

Rimsky-Korsakov - Scheherazade(as in 1001 Nights). Probably the most popular orchestral showpiece.

Kalinnikov- Symphonies 1&2. Tuberculosis took this fine composer too early. Use Naxos to get a cheap introduction.

Kapustin - Piano music(Hyperion). There's a lot of written out jazz here. Very interesting.

Bruckner - If words like profound, spiritual, and transcendent pique your interest, than check this composers symphonies. Start with 4, 7, and 9.

I know this has been somewhat arbitrary. Whatever came to mind was mentioned, and it probably would be different tomorrow. I love Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Mahler, and Brahms, but a little off the beaten path is fun sometimes.

thanks for the recommendations!

I thought Star Wars had its roots in "Born Free" as well...

I can't believe that Beethoven's 6th is getting no love. I am a alt rock fan for the most part, but have a fair collection of classical music. When I was in high school we used to take Jeeps "off road" on pretty bumpy trails. I always cranked the 3rd movement of Beethoven's sixth. We loved it. For some reason it just felt right while bumping around through the woods at night. We were Alabama rednecks with a little bit of class. His 6th is just great all around to take out into any natural setting. Dvorak is also one to check out - No. 9.

I also highly recommend Gershwin. The dude just knew how to rock. Aaron Copland is also pretty easy to get into for contemporary tastes.

I can't believe that Beethoven's 6th is getting no love...

It' one of his even numbered symphonies.;)

is there supposed to be something odd about that?

The Execution Of Stepan Razin--I have a Chandos recording of this (there aren't many). Bought it after hearing the MSO perform this a few years ago. My friend calls this "classical heavy metal"--and it's not far off as a description (in a good way).

However, I don't believe it is available in MCH (in any format). Still worth having.

It' one of his even numbered symphonies.;)

Yeah. There is no denying the brilliance of the oddies. I bristle every time I hear that bit of conventional wisdom though. I do love the 6th and hate to see it overlooked. It is about the only piece of music that I get defensive about.:D

It' one of his even numbered symphonies.;)

what? is it were Microsoft came up with how they do their Service Pack updates?

Yeah. There is no denying the brilliance of the oddies. I bristle every time I hear that bit of conventional wisdom though. I do love the 6th and hate to see it overlooked. It is about the only piece of music that I get defensive about.:D

I like them all but the 6th is a little programmatic for me. Strangely my favorite is the 7th which is the weakest odd (not counting the 1st and 2ed) and realy like the 4th which is the weekest even.

Yes, there aren't many(Stepan Razin). I don't currently have it in cd, only LP. If nothing comes out, I'll probably shoot for the Naxos, although I tend to like my performances a little raw as opposed to polished and refined if forced to choose between those two. For anyone using my previous post for info, I've slept since I last listened to Shostakovitch's 11th(it's been almost a year), and the terrifying moment I wanted to mention is in the 2nd movement, and on the De Priest recording starts about the 13 minute mark. The movement is subtitled January 9th, and revisits the massacre on the palace square by the troops of Tsar Nicolas II. Also, man I need to listen to these pieces existing(kinda;-)in my memory, the movement in the Prokofiev 5th I mentioned is not the 1st, but the 3rd, and about 2/3's through that movement. Someone mentioned Dvorak. The 9th is best known, but the 7th(my personal favorite) has more passion and drive. Nielson - check out his 4th and 5th symphonies. Villa Lobos is interesting, but he wrote soooo much the quality kind of varies(sometimes within the piece). I haven't heard it in a while(I have one of the discs on record), but there is an EMI 2 CD set with Christina Ortiz and others which contains the guitar concerto, piano pieces, the Momoprecoce, a Bachianas Brasileiras, and a few others that I would recommend as an intro(I think she plays those piano pieces better than anyone I've heard). Another disc is Delos DE 1017 which contains an easily accessible, mysterious piece called Uirapuru among other more meandering pieces(Probably says more about me than the piece criticized, but hey...you don't have to like everythimg that's great, even after time has made the final vote. Sometimes great composers were NOT fans of other great composers. Life's too short. Stretch yourself, but don't force yourself). A bonus on this disc is a modern rhythmic piece by Nobre. And thinking south of the border, there's a fantastic Mexican picture postcard(in the best sense of the phrase) piece by Jose Pablo Moncayo called Huapango. I don't know if it's still available, but my personal favorite version is by Herrera De La Fuente and the Orquesta Sinfonica De Xalapa. Crank it up and let it kick. I don't like the version by the Boston pops, and the one on the interesting Latin American Lollipops Dorian disc is OK.

I have a book on my shelf (at home) that helped guide the classic rock fan into classical music. It was a 52 week "course" that exposed you to many composers and made comparisons to the rock music that you already know. For the life of me I can't remember the title so I'll check when I get home.

And thinking south of the border, there's a fantastic Mexican picture postcard(in the best sense of the phrase) piece by Jose Pablo Moncayo called Huapango. I don't know if it's still available, but my personal favorite version is by Herrera De La Fuente and the Orquesta Sinfonica De Xalapa. Crank it up and let it kick.That's not a surround disc, is it?

I always wondered why no one undertook the re-release of a lot of De La Fuente's recordings on the late OM Records. I see that Guild has 3 but there are many other interesting ones.

Hi Kal,

No, the one I own is the original O.M. recording. Looking on Amazon after I posted, I see that the Latin disc in question has been re-released several times. I rather like those Jonathan Wearn(sp?) recordings, although I remember somebody(I think ARG) commenting about the organ in Pictures & 1812. I have an O.M. sampler with those excepts on it, and I have to say that reviewer was spot on. It comes in with all the subtlety of Godzilla. Camelot Music(are they in existence?) re-released several of their discs. I've got a Michel Block recording and a few others from them. I'm looking for a De La Fuente Tchaikovsky 5th that I don't believe was the one released by O.M. records. I have it on LP. For monetary reasons(and a huge classical library) I've yet to move to music surround.

Here's a few more suggestions for getting into classical.

Arnold - Dances on Naxos 8.553526(listening to it now)

Ginastera - Somebody will chastise me if I talk of Latin rhythmic compositions and fail to mention him. Panambi and Estancia on Naxos.

To get back to the prog-based classical music question ... if you want to make the transition from prog to classical start with what influenced prog in the first place .. here is a partial list off the top of my head

Yes:
they open their shows with an excerpt from Stravinsky's Firebird Suite
on the album Fragile they have an ode to Brahms called 'cans & brahms'
And, if you want to really ease your way into classical music then start with 'The Symphonic Music of Yes'

Frank Zappa:
Often cites Boulez and Bartok as influences

Jethro Tull:
The song Bouree is based on a Bach piece

ELP:
Influenced by and often cover Aaron Copeland

Renaissance (wonderful prog band if you haven't heard of them):
They have an entire album based on Scheherazade by Rimsky-Korsakov

And if you want to start with classical music by prog bands try these (all incredible albums):

Mahavishnu Orchestra: Apocalypse
Frank Zappa: Francesco Zappa, Boulez Conducts Zappa, London Symphony Orchestra Vol 1 & 2
Yes: Symphonic Live DVD .. they toured with an orchestra
Gryphon: Red Queen to Gryphon album
Par Lindh Project: Gothic Impressions
Univers Zero: Ceux Du Dehors
Mike Kenneally and Metropole Orkest: The Universe Will Provide
Miriodor: Elastic Juggling
Rick Wakeman: Classical Connection

There are many many many more .. this is a good start though

thanks for the recommendations!

I do have the YES Symphonic Live; but I'm not transitioning ... I'm expanding :)

Now here's a composer I would expect to be an influence on some of those progressive rock guys. Alexander Scriabin. With orchestral tiles like The Divine Poem, Poem Of Ecstasy, and Prometheus - Poem Of Fire, I think you get the picture. He, along with Rimsky-Korsakov, believed music keys had particular colors associated with them. As his compositional process evolved, it became increasingly frenetic and delirious. His uncompleted composition, Mysterium(it's been completed by someone else and recorded), was to be a synthesis of all the arts, include the use of perfume, and be performed in a theater constucted in the Himalayas. Sound familiar? If you're going for the piano pieces, get(among others) op.42#5, op.8#12, and op.2#1. Szymanowski was a Polish composer who, while not as talented as Scriabin, worked in similar territory.

My bent is more towards the romantics, so I generally recommend things like:

Brahms - the Quartets are superb and his other chamber music is intimate and complex. If I were to ‘repurpose’ classical into modern prog orchestrations, I’d be seriously ‘inspired’ by these works.

Rachmaninoff - Many melodies of his have been lifted by pop and rock groups over the past 50 years, and with good reason. Some very complex and dense orchestrations in his symphonies are a pleasure to listen to on a good MCH hi-rez recording. Better have good gear, as it gives any system a workout.
Solo piano is also quite inspiring, and some of my favorite classical music.

Schubert has the complexities and beautiful melodies we all appreciate in good prog music. Both chamber music and orchestral are very good.


Not mentioned before, but an absolutely stunning piece of music is the Vaughn Williams composition called ‘Fantasia on a theme by Thomas Tallis’. Don’t overlook the 20th century British composers.

Not mentioned before, but an absolutely stunning piece of music is the Vaughn Williams composition called ‘Fantasia on a theme by Thomas Tallis’. Don’t overlook the 20th century British composers.True. Bax, Elgar and Britten are also worth considering.

weird that nobody's mentioning the likes of Varese, Schoenberg, Cage, Webern...You know, the weirdos!

Bartok's Concerto for Percussion and Strings is a mighty prog piece, to be sure...

But, yeah, the definitive answer - you want "orchestral" music that should stir the hearts of proggies, you've got a lot of Zappa to delve into - start with the stuff played by people who give a crap about the music (Ensemble Modern), then if you want work back to the LSO stuff (sadly, these studio symphonic peeps couldn't quite keep up with the rhythmic dexterity required to play back the pieces... seems it takes Germans to get it right!)

Want one album to start with? Try the Yellow Shark on for size... I mean, it's named after a surfboard!

I have Yellow Shark! somewhere... ;)

...I should note that many of these =aren't= surround, but I thought I'd expand the qualification... :)

Zappa's Quadrophiliac as some instrumental/orchestral bits in surround that might do the trick... Just to wet your noodle, he did these 5.1 mixes in the early/mid 70s. Yeah, 5.1 mixing about 20+ years before we had the home systems to play them back (more ch than Quad! Whoohoo! :) )

For those SW nerds, there was a version of Episode III soundtrack that included a 5.1 surround mix of music video-like scoring sesssions... the dialogue interrupts in annoying ways, but the sonics are pretty decent.

I've got the Beethoven 9th Symphony in surround, and that's certainly bombastic enough to qualify as progressive! Extending it out even further (tied certainly to Emerson's stint with The Nice) is the spectacular sounding surround mix of Bernstein conducting West Side story. The lead vocal performances are pretty horrific (the third-of-three Tenors proves the man can't swing a vocal line to save his life!), but the sound of the band is amazing. Bonus points for digging up the documentary that traces the recording of this recording... I've got it on LD (!), but there was a DVD release...

So does anyone have an opinion on the Beethoven Symphonies 1-9 with Haitink as conductor with the LSO? I've seen some very positive reviews on sa-cd.net, but there is one major dissenter on a couple, and it makes me wonder at the disparity.

I am tempted to pick up the set, but I'd like to avoid something not-so-appealing...

shinksma

The new BIS cycle with the Minnesota Orchestra is supposed to be the best around...I just ordered the #4/#5 disc to see for myself.

The LSO Live Beethoven cycle is recorded from a slightly closer perspective than the BIS set. Both are very good, it will boil down to personal preference as to performance. Sonics, IMO, go to LSO for more immediacy.

Lee

Another sonic spectacle is the Roman Trilogy by Ottorino Respighi. It contains The Pines of Rome, The Fountains of Rome, and Roman Festivals. I've been looking for versions on MCH SACD and have not yet been successful.

Anyone know of these?

Lee

Lee, the RCA Living Stereo version is 3-channel stereo (not surround but sounds amazing anyway) and contains Debussey's La Mer, and the Pines of Rome, and Fountains of Rome. No Roman Festivals though.

Lee, the RCA Living Stereo version is 3-channel stereo (not surround but sounds amazing anyway) and contains Debussey's La Mer, and the Pines of Rome, and Fountains of Rome. No Roman Festivals though.

I've had Reiner's version of this for a long time, first on LP and then CD. Thanks! Many of the Living Stereo RCAs are very good. Try Munch's Bolero as an example of good sound, and (of course) Scheherezade with Reiner to part your hair.

I think that Dorati's The Firebird is incredible on Mercury Living Presence SACD (also 3-channel).

I did find one SACD on the Exton label with Vladimir Ashkenazy conducting all three Respighi works. I seem to remember reading a review of this stating that it was pretty good, but dismissed it thinking I couldn't find it available anyways.

I'll keep my eyes out for it and let you know if I can get a hold of one.

Lee

I've had Reiner's version of this for a long time, first on LP and then CD. Thanks! Many of the Living Stereo RCAs are very good. Try Munch's Bolero as an example of good sound, and (of course) Scheherezade with Reiner to part your hair.

I think that Dorati's The Firebird is incredible on Mercury Living Presence SACD (also 3-channel).

I did find one SACD on the Exton label with Vladimir Ashkenazy conducting all three Respighi works. I seem to remember reading a review of this stating that it was pretty good, but dismissed it thinking I couldn't find it available anyways.

I'll keep my eyes out for it and let you know if I can get a hold of one.

Lee

I like the RCA Living Stereo SACD 1960-61 recording of Fritz Reiner conducting the CSO with Van Clinburn on piano performing Beethoven's "Emperor" Piano Concerto No. 5.