Metal Reviews

There is no doubt that the late 1960's and through the mid 1970's were defining moments for the Progressive rock genre. Bands like Yes, King Crimson, Camel, Gentle Giant, Genesis, Jethro Tull, Pink Floyd, and Eloy, to name a few, made tremendous and out this world music with complex structure, innovative melodies, and altogether music that had major influences from Jazz to folk to Classical to avant-garde which was defined in this period of music. Their influences are quite vivid as I am sure most of you are aware of this; what are some of your most favourite progressive rock albums? What Albums made you more open to different ways of song structure, complexity, and all other things that made and make Progressive rock unique?

As for Classical music, it is also quite clear how it influenced everything from classical rock to the metal of today. What are some of your favourite classical composers or rather the ones that you prefer most. It might anywhere from the baroque period to contemporary classical music of the 21st century.

I like them all but I lean towards Bach,Beethoven,Paganini,Brahms and Tchaikovsky.

Ah... the three B's, and the master of Violin, Paganini! Tchaikovsky has some things I like and other things I found a letdown in classical music like the 1812 overture. I'm also a big fan of Beethoven, Bach, Vivaldi, Brahms, and Schumann. I also love some of Steve Reich's music like "Music for 18 Musicians." What about Progressive Rock, anything you like there?

I listen to Jethro Tull sometimes and play super simplified Beethoven and Handel and shit from my beginner piano book but that's about it. 70s prog doesn't focus enough on vocals, and classical music doesn't fit with any of the times/moods I like to listen to music.

Oh yes i love prog rock with Pink Floyd being my favorite. Others that I enjoy are Kansas,Yes EL&P,Genesis and King Crimson.

Big fan of King Crimson and Jethro Tull and Pink Floyd and Yes.

Well, Progressive rock focuses on a lot of innovative and melodic vocals patterns but in terms of range, it doesn't qualify. Quite frankly, I couldn't care for range, if you are talking about range in progressive rock vocalists that is. And for classical music I find it to be quite the opposite--everyone to their own.

My favourite Pink Floyd albums are Wish You Were Here and Animals, although I haven't listened to A Saucerful of Secrets in a long time. As for Genesis it's Selling England by the Pound and as for Yes, its probably Close To the Edge. As for King Crimson it's Red and In the Court of The crimson King. EL&P I haven't given them a try yet and neither Kansas has been on my playlist.

What albums do you like most?

Rachmaninoff is a boss. Chopin too.

I agree especially Chopin

Some of my all-time favorite classical pieces are from Chopin.

Also, Bartok.

EDIT: Also, Mussorgsky. A Night On Bald Mountain is tits.

And Holst for the Planets

...and Stravinsky.

...and Debussy

Big fan of Chopin. Haven't listened to Rachmaninoff in quite some while now, but do like him, nonetheless.

Haven't heard anything from Stravinsky, or maybe I have and didn't like him very much. Not a fan of Debussy either; though I do like Holst. I'm a big fan of Dvorak too.

Stockhausen
Glass
Reich
Richter
Lamonte Young
Bartok
Boulez
Messiaen
Varese
to name a few.

It's really difficult for me to tell the difference between classical composers beyond general "happy" or "sad" music. To be honest, if I feel like listening to classical, it really doesn't matter which composer it is--it'll fit the bill. Unless it's like 20th century minimalist stuff, which is rly boring in my experience.

Well, I can see where you're coming from about how classical music sounds all the same to you or rather you don't care for who it is coming from. Although, maybe in the future when you are more into classical music, you will have a more distinguished taste, and want your classical music a certain way or another. And about contemporary classical music, I suggest listening to Steve Reich "Music For 18 Musicians." It's really a groundbreaking work of art that defines classical music very differently.

Vivaldi... Beyond that I haven't nearly listened to enough classical music and 70s prog never clicked with me but I don't mind Court of the Crimson King.

Vivaldi is a great place to start in classical music! And progressive rock sometimes takes quite a while to get into; other times you might not like something now, but down the line you might like or even love it, and beat yourself up for not liking it in the past, but that's just my opinion. "In the Court of the Crimson King" is a masterpiece in the progressive rock genre and a pioneer for that matter.

Dvorak
Bartok
Haydn
Ligeti
Listz
Tchaikovsky
Grieg
Wagner
Vivaldi
Stravinsky
Bach

and a bunch more. Top 5 are my go to guys, though.

King Crimson
Yes
ELP
Floyd
Hawkwind
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