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Criteria for defining progressive rock's musical style based on the books
THE PROGRESSIVE ROCK FILES and
ROCKING THE CLASSICS:
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Combines classical music's sense of space and monumental scope with rock's raw power and energy. -
Frequent inclusion of musical styles from other than a rock format (e.g. - classical, R&B, jazz, folk, avant-garde and world music). -
Complex, dynamic and multi-dimensional usually featuring intricate keyboard and guitar playing (often using a Mellotron or string synth to simulate an orchestra backing). -
A blending of acoustic, electric and electronic instruments where each plays a vital role in translating the emotion of compositions which typically contain more than one mood. -
A mixture of loud passages, soft passages, and musical crescendos to add to the dynamics of the arrangements. Extended instrumental solos, perhaps involving some improvisation. -
Multi-movement compositions that center on a core musical theme. Tracks predominantly on the longish side, but structured.
Subject matter typically drawn from science fiction, mythology, fantasy and utopian literature.
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