Symphonic rock
Symphonic rock is a style of
rock music (see
rock and roll) that incorporates elements from
classical music. Such elements can for example be classical instruments, classical themes or classical composition schemes. Other characteristics are that the music is often complex, at least when compared to other types of rock and
popular music, that elaborate compositions are used (resulting in long songs and concept albums), and that the
synthesizer is an important instrument. Symphonic rock had its highest popularity in the
1970s, but around
1980 lost in popularity, possibly because of the rise of
punk (the simplistic punk and complex symphonic rock might be considered opposites). Later in the
1980s there was a slight revival.
Symphonic rock groups include:
Symphonic rock is also very closely identified with
progressive rock, and might be considered a sub-genre.