Progressive Rock Sub-Genres: Symphonic Prog

Symphonic Prog.

Symphonic Prog Rock could be called the main sub-genre of Progressive Rock in general. It includes the most bands and in many cases it’s the musical equal of Classic Progressive Rock; this is because what for many was the first album to be qualified as prog rock, falls into this category: In the Court of The Crimson King.

Indeed even King Crimson, who expanded later on to more experimental music, made their debut with this Symphonic album, which, whether it was, or not, the first piece of Progressive Music ever, it was a cornerstone in the development of the genre.

The main element that defines Symphonic Prog is the musical inclusion of Classical Elements, and as in any other genre, different bands made a different approach on this; for example, Yes and Genesis turned out to be influenced by the Baroque and Classical periods, while ELP (Emerson, Lake & Palmer) had a predilection for post Romantic.

The peak of the genre starts in 1969 and lasts until the mid/late 70’s, when it starts to blend mainstream influences that took it to the birth of Neo-Progressive. While this creative peak ended before the 80’s, during the 90’s new bands retook the principles and sounds bringing the genre back to life. (Anglagard and Par Lindh Project are a couple of examples).

General Aspects of Symphonic Prog Rock:

- Mixture of elements from different genres
- Complex Time Signatures
- Lush Keyboards
- Explorative and intelligent lyrics
- Longer format of Songs
- Non commercial approach
- Clear inclusion of Classical Music Elements
- Melody Progression