Orchestra in Rock / Art Rock / Prog Rock ?
 

Hi all.

I am writing an essay on the use of Orchestras and orchestral instruments in rock or pop music.

I have a fair amount of information and examples from the late 60's and 70's found in the "Art Rock" or "Progressive Art".

I also have recent examples such as the Metallica and AC/DC concerts with symphonies.

What I am looking for is examples from the eighties and nineties.

I have books coming in on library loan, but if you TFP folks have any favorites from those decades I would appreciete you taking the time to reply and mention them. They might even make my essay Wahoo.

Thanks

Would string and wood sounds created from samples count?

There's also the neoclassical fusion style of metal termed "Bach Rock" made famous by Yngwie Malmsteen in the late 80's.

This guy is worth checking out http://www.jasonbecker.com

There's alot of sound clips so go to the Perpetual Burn album- that has some good examples.

80s: ABC (sang Poison Arrow, Look of Love)

2000s: Evanescence

...off the top of my head, could be electronic, I don't really know.

Metal band Rhapsody has used copious amounts of orchestration starting with their first album in 1997. Nobody has heard of them in the U.S. but they are somewhat popular in Europe.

80's, "High Enough" Damn Yankee's
I believe Electric Light Orchestra bled into the 80's.

A Perfect Circle - 3 Libras has violin in it, as does In Flames - Metaphor.

Not too sure if that qualifies them though O_o

Only the ones that are confirmed real instruments not electronics qualify for my scope.

So far I know that Alan Parsons, which was involved in the Art Rock of the 70's with their "Tales of Mystery and Imagination" album in 76 continued releasing albums right through the 80's that contained real instruments. Last one released by Alan was 1999.

Synths kind of took centre stage in the 80's so instruments were not very common in rock/pop I don't think.

I could use a few more though - keep them coming and thanks.

Could use a couple more current ones as well I guess.

The Tea Party did a couple of concerts with the Montreal (I think) Symphony Orchestra.
A show on the Discovery Channel did a special about what goes into putting together a show like that too. You can check this out, it might be of some help.

Yellowcard is a punk band that uses a violin

thanks guys - rockzilla - I knew that Tea Party had done this, but was not yet to the point where I was ready to look that concert up. Thanks for the link - now I won't have to look it up.

Check out a band called Symphony X -- Kind of an theatrical/metal outfit. Also, when Page & Plant toured back in the mid 90's for the "No Quarter" album they toured with a full orchestra. Those were some really good shows. That's all I can think of right now.

I think Radiohead did some work with the LA Symphony recently

Try trans-siberian orchestra, they combine rock and orchestra elements, specifically carol of the bells

if you are looking for bands that use a violin dont forget the corrs. they havent been around for a few years and they were a bit poppy, but they did have some good violin stuff in what i have heard.

Silent Lucidity by Queensryche has one of the most beautiful orchestral parts I've ever heard in a rock song.

Don't forget the groups that exist in the crack between jazz and pop, like Blood, Sweat and Tears... You'll find a lot there.

Thanks for the suggestions guys

ubertuber - I am keeping the jazz/prog guys out of my scope for now since this is a fairly short essay. (not that I don't love that stuff)

Since it will be a short essay, can we see the results when you finish? No problem if you don't want to, but i am interested.

Trans Siberian Orchestra

They do christmas music in that style.

ya redlemon no problem - I'll post it here or somewhere for ne one who's interested.

Dream Theater has a little orchestral influences in some songs.

Pink Floyd - The Atom Heart Mother Suite.

A 23 minute piece written for the rock band, orchestra and choir. It's on the album of the same name.

OK Thanks for all the suggestions TFP gang. As promised here is the text of my essay. Enjoy. Discuss etc....


Symphonic Instruments in Rock and Pop Music
By Tirian - Mar, 2004
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BTW all as a result of researching this paper I have discoverd a lot of cool music that I had not really listened to before.

I just bought "Yes - Relayer" in the grocery store for $.98 and am ejoying the album a lot.

I learned a lot writing this, and enjoyed it a lot.

I read about a lot more bands and their music than I could include in an essay of this length, so don't feel bad if your favorite band or album does not appear in this article. I had to leave lots of cool stuff out to pare it down. But I will listen to it now.

Very interesting essay, thanks for posting it. The Broadway segue startled me, but on second read it made perfect sense.