Symphonic Live
152 min · 14 tracks · progressive rock
A sweeping orchestral arrangement enhances the intricate melodies and harmonies of Yes's progressive rock legacy in a live setting.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Close to the Edge Start here — This extended piece showcases Yes's hallmark complexity and dynamic shifts, intertwining lush orchestration with intricate musicianship, making it a cornerstone of their catalog.
-
→
The Gates of Delirium — As a centerpiece of the concert, this track demonstrates the band's epic storytelling through music, enhanced by orchestral support that amplifies its dramatic narrative.
-
→
Owner of a Lonely Heart — The inclusion of this hit single highlights Yes's adaptability, blending their classic sound with an accessible pop sensibility that resonates with diverse audiences.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The orchestral reinterpretations add depth to Yes's classic tracks, making this live album a notable entry in their discography.
What we noticed
- The orchestral arrangements are layered throughout the tracks, often introducing strings and brass that complement the original instrumentation.
- Several tracks extend beyond their studio versions, adding new sections or improvisational solos that enhance their complexity.
- Transitions between songs are smooth, often featuring orchestral interludes that maintain the album's flow.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- long, immersive listening sessions
- dynamic emotional journeys
- layered, dense sonic textures
- gradual builds and payoffs
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — A notable live album with orchestral arrangements, but not a primary entry point.
- Themes
- orchestral reinterpretation· live concert experience
- Career context
- Symphonic Live was released in 2001, during a period when Yes was revisiting their classic works with fresh interpretations. This album came after their studio release Magnification, showcasing their ability to blend symphonic elements with their established progressive rock sound. It marked a significant return to the stage for the band, featuring a full orchestra which highlighted their musical complexity.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Genesis· King Crimson· Emerson, Lake & Palmer
Tracklist
Disc 1
- 1 Overture 2:30
- 2 Close to the Edge Start here 20:30
- 3 Long Distance Runaround 5:28
- 4 Don’t Go 4:29
- 5 In the Presence Of 11:03
- 6 The Gates of Delirium 23:30
- 7 Steve Howe Guitar Solo 6:25
Disc 2
- 1 Starship Trooper 12:18
- 2 Magnification 7:23
- 3 And You and I 11:15
- 4 Ritual 28:21
- 5 I’ve Seen All Good People 7:20
- 6 Owner of a Lonely Heart 5:48
- 7 Roundabout 6:28
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Pictures at an Exhibition
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
Shares orchestral reinterpretation of classical themes with a progressive rock twist.
The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway
Genesis
Features complex arrangements and theatrical storytelling, akin to Yes's symphonic approach.
Leftoverture
Kansas
Combines intricate melodies and orchestral elements within a progressive rock framework.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.