Re: Prog vs. Symphonic

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Date: Mon Mar 24 1997 - 15:12:25 EST

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    >
    >> Ok, 'KorgX3' wrote somtehing about Pink Floyd beingSymphonic Rock and n
    >ot
    >> Progressive. Just to clear things up: what's the difference? I live in
    >> Belgium and we have just one word which is, translated, 'symphonic Rock
    >'.
    >> When i set foot on the internet, I found that most english-speakers use
    >> the word 'progressive' instead, so i thought that the two meant the sam
    >e.
    >> So could someone PLEASE explain me the difference (KorgX3, you didn't m
    >ake
    >> yourself clear on that one, I'm afraid...
    >
    >OK, I was thinking that prog deals more with alot of experimented
    >sounds, time changes, and very involved themes. Symphonic I was
    >refering to as something that will use some of those experimental
    >sounds (I count PF's early stuff with Syd as Prog), but symphonic
    >sets more of a scene. Lots of thick textures and ambiance. Not a
    >whole lot, if any time changes. Just basically I guess what you
    >could still call "prog lite." Pink Floyd and Marillion are what I'd
    >consider a "Genuine Draft". :)
    >
            Symphonic Prog is a sub-genre of Progressive, but it includes many
    of the "classic" prog bands (Yes, Genesis, etc).
            Check out the Gibraltar Encyclopedia of Progressive Rock for the
    "standard" subcategories of progressive rock (http://prog.ari.net/prog/).
    Click on the "A guide to progressive sub-genres" icon to see their
    definitions.
            Here's their definition of Symphonic Prog:

            "Characterized by lush keys/synths and very melodic vocals and usually
             written like a piece of classical music - i.e. "Symphonic." Different
             from Neo-progressive by being much more complicated, especially in
             rhythm or scale structure.

            Bands: Yes, Genesis (early), Camel, Atoll, Teru's Symphonia, etc. "

            I'd tend to agree. That's what many people mean by "Symphonic Prog".
    Bands like Marillion (and maybe Pink Floyd) border the neo-prog and symphonic
    prog styles.
            Of course, the reality is that every person has their own definition
    of what prog rock is. Mostly I find myself just wanting to hear bands that
    I like rather than caring what genre they belong to. It's totally subjective
    anyway -- if it's a powerful song or has a great melody then it doesn't
    matter what category it belongs to (pop, metal, classical, etc).
            Then again, the categories at least give you an idea of what you
    might like if you haven't heard the bands. So, they're worth something in
    that respect. Once you try many of the bands then you'll have a better idea
    of what styles you like best.

                                    Steve



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