Symphonic rock is a genre characterized by its grandiose soundscapes, intricate instrumentation, and conceptual themes. Emerging in the late 1960s and flourishing throughout the 1970s, it combines classical music's orchestral complexity with rock's energy and experimentation. Typical features include soaring vocal harmonies, lush keyboards, and extended instrumental passages, often incorporating orchestral elements. This genre's heyday coincided with the rise of progressive rock, sharing similarities with its use of conceptual themes and lengthy compositions. However, symphonic rock tends to emphasize grandeur and atmospheric textures over intricate time signatures and virtuosic instrumental displays. Its cultural significance lies in pushing the boundaries of rock music, incorporating elements of classical music, and creating immersive, cinematic experiences. Notable for its dramatic flair and thematic depth, symphonic rock has captivated audiences with its unique blend of complexity and accessibility, inspiring a devoted following and influencing subsequent genres like neo-prog and ambient music.

Live

Greg Lake

Album - 14 Tracks - Released June 27, 2025