Yes - Symphonic Live (2009)

#Videosparaelencierro. Gracias a Horacio Manrique acá está no sólo el sonido de una obra monumental, única, sino el video completo, uno de los grandes hitos de Yes que quizás muchos desconocen. Como dice el Mago Alberto en su comentario: esta obra pasa a ser trascendental simplemente por su contexto, por su coyuntura, este proyecto resiste cualquier crítica, este trabajo va más allá de cualquier análisis. Para el seguidor de Yes esto no es ninguna novedad, para el desprevenido y el colgado esto les va a caer de maravilla. Una de las mayores obras creadas por esos magos del rock sinfónico que se dieron a llamar Yes, grabadas a fuego en el blog cabezón... y de ahora en más también en tu cabeza.

Artista: Yes

Álbum: Symphonic Live
Año: 2009
Género: Rock sinfónico de aquellos
Duración: 194:00
Nacionalidad: Inglaterra

Desde unos días antes de la partida de Chris Squire (y por ende de su propio proyecto personal: Yes) habíamos estado publicando las sendas obras de Yes; y no creo que por casualidad. Vamos ahora con un tremendo aporte de Wan: la edición 2009 del concierto "Symphonic Live" que realizaó la banda en Amsterdam. A diferencia de la primera edición que salió de este disco, este es un disco doble e incluye el concierto íntegro, a diferencia de la versión que salió en el 2002 que traía únicamente una parte.

No voy a escribir mucho, verán los comentarios que siguen y todos aplauden hasta con los cachetes del culo. No hacen falta palabras cuando hay tanta música, pero acá va el comentario del Mago Alberto:

Que mas se puede decir de la gran obra de Yes que ya no se haya dicho, creo que muy poco, estos señores durante decadas estuvieron aportando a la música del mundo obras tan importantes que el inconsciente colectivo de la humanidad cada tanto tiene que resetearse para recibir info nueva de esta banda que ya trasciende cualquier análisis. La obra que nos atañe hoy es el magnífico Shymphonic Yes, una obra de dos discos grabado en vivo en Holanda en 2001, un trabajo monumental con el respaldo de una orquesta sinfónica, donde los Yes se dieron el gusto de tocar sus grandes hits, y versionarlos en vivo, cosa que no es tan fácil, más que nada por la complejidad armónica que se les ocurrió en el proceso creativo a estos muchachos en su extensa discografía, complejidad que se potencia aún más cuando hay una sinfónica que también aporta lo suyo, y toda esta parafernalia puesta a consideración ante una atenta audiencia, hay que bancarse el paño para no pifiarla en algun momento, y eso es quizás lo que mas asombra de este concierto, obras como "Close to The Edge" llevada hasta el paroxismo, "Ritual" estalla como una neutrónica con el solo de Squire y el solo de White y asi se va dando con una naturalidad pasmosa cada una de las piezas como un gran rompecabezas que termina armándose con una versión potentisima en el final de "Roundabout". Cada tema tiene su arreglo orquestal distinto y es como un ingrediente más que no desentona ni por un instante, todo lo contrario, engrosa aún más y le da un toque especial a cada canción, como si a un lienzo ya pintado y terminado se le agregara un marco distinto para exhibirlo en la mejor galería de arte. En este caso la galería es nuestro cerebro y la entrada a la misma son nuestros oídos.
Para el seguidor de Yes esto no es ninguna novedad, para el desprevenido y el colgado esto les va a caer de maravilla. Para el insaciable como el Vampiro, este concierto también fue grabado y editado en DVD en dos discos pero que también está en muy buena calidad en Youtube.
Los señores de Yes creo que en su derrotero interminable por los caminos de la música se han dado todos los gustos, el resultado final para los mortales no podría ser mejor, esta obra pasa a ser trascendental simplemente por su contexto, por su coyuntura, este proyecto resiste cualquier crítica, este trabajo va más allá de cualquier análisis, piensen solamente en el trabajo de coordinación, ensayo y puesta en escena que se puso al servicio de todos los que gustamos de la obra de YES. Nadie se los pidió no sucumbieron a ningún nivel de exigencia, sólo estuvieron, tocaron y se brindaron en este show únicamente para el placer colectivo, únicamente nos resta aplaudir.

Mago Alberto

Continúa leyendo y viendo los videos que esto recién empieza.

Y a contianuación, las palabras y extenso comentario de un amigo de Lino:

YES Y EL ROCK SINFÓNICO

¿Qué es poesía?, dices mientras clavas
en mi pupila tu pupila azul.
¿Que es poesía?, Y tú me lo preguntas?
Poesía... eres tú.

Parafraseando la rima XXI de Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer, muchas veces cuando me han preguntado “¿Qué es rock sinfónico?”, me han dado unas ganas locas de contestar “Rock Sinfónico… es Yes”.
El rock sinfónico es una clasificación más dentro del gran paraguas llamado Rock Progresivo. Quizás sea la corriente con más seguidores en este tipo de rock (concepto que ahora hemos ampliado al término Música Progresiva). El rock progresivo se fundamenta sobre bandas pilares que definen de facto el género y que existieron durante la década de los 70, algunas de ellas trascendiendo incluso hasta nuestros días.
Yes es uno de estos casos.
De ser una banda que partió tímidamente por el año 1969 con un disco plagado de talento y hermosas canciones (incluyendo Every Little Thing de Lennon y McCartney), ha viajado en el tiempo hasta nuestros días, con sus integrantes casi 40 años más viejos pero más talentosos aún que en sus inicios.
La estructura musical del rock progresivo sinfónico está dictaminada por la construcción de muchas de las canciones de Yes. Casos como Close To The Edge, The Gates Of Delirium y el clásico álbum Tales From Topographic Oceans, son el modelo a seguir por cualquier banda que quiera hacer rock progresivo sinfónico. Las hermosas melodías, los sólidos hilos conductores, la repetición de compases comunes, la perfecta armonía entre la prístina voz de Jon Anderson y las complejas secciones instrumentales están marcadas a fuego en los pentagramas de miríadas de émulos y en el corazón de miles de fanáticos de estos geniales ingleses.
Cuando uno escucha repetidamente la música de Yes, es inevitable que se pregunte: ¿Y cómo sonará esta música tocada por una orquesta sinfónica? Y ahí está la clave del asunto: el rock sinfónico no son los Concierto Para Grupo y Orquesta de Deep Purple en los 70 ni los S&M de Metallica en los 90. Yes se encarga de darnos la más simple de las respuestas: dejemos que esta música se convierta en una sinfonía como Dios manda.
Y así lo hicieron.
En el año 2001 se pusieron de gira por Europa, con su formación “casi” completa: Jon Anderson, Chris Squire, Steve Howe y Alan White. Faltó sólo el maestro Rick Wakeman para que todo fuera un sueño. Y se hicieron acompañar por la European Festival Orchestra, una estupenda orquesta juvenil dirigida por Wilhelm Keitel. Pero este no fue un experimento de una banda de rock acompañada por una orquesta, no señor. Esta vez se hicieron los arreglos para orquesta sinfónica y los instrumentos de la banda de rock fueron parte de dichos arreglos. Una labor de creatividad extrema que debe haber tomado meses de preparación.
Hace muchos años atrás escuché a Pirincho Cárcamo decir que Yes era una banda que sonaba mucho mejor en vivo que en estudio. Y el Yes Symphonic Live le da la razón al flaco Pirincho, pues creo que nunca antes Yes sonó de esta forma.
No hay discusión posible:
¿Qué es sinfonía?
Sinfonía… es Yes.
EL CONCIERTO
Mientras escribo estas líneas, vuelvo a escuchar por enésima vez este grandioso concierto. Fue grabado de una presentación completa en vivo en Amsterdam el año 2001, dura más de dos horas y media (167 minutos para ser más exactos) y fue transcripto íntegro a un DVD dual layer.
La orquesta sinfónica es, como dije antes, juvenil. Cuando uno ve el video se entusiasma ante el hecho de que jovencitos que bordean los veintitantos años y que claramente tienen una formación musical clásica, puedan gozar de una forma tan deliciosa con la música de Yes; mientras interpretan sus instrumentos sinfónicos se sonríen, cantan, se mueven, es emocionante en realidad.
En los teclados, donde en más de una oportunidad ha estado el gran Rick Wakeman, o los recordados Tony Kaye y Patrick Moraz, nos presentan a un jovencito llamado Tom Brislin, quien hace un papel espectacular en este concierto, no tengo ni un solo reclamo contra él.
El repertorio elegido se podría decir que es un “grandes éxitos” de la banda; pero en el entendido que se eligieron las mejores piezas jamás publicadas para ser ejecutadas en este concierto, independientemente de su duración, complejidad y aceptación masiva.
Hay portentos como The Gates Of Delirium (mi favorita, nunca se la había escuchado en vivo a Yes), Ritual y Close To The Edge; hermosas canciones como And You And I y I’ve Seen All Good People y éxitos más pegajosos de la banda como Long Distance Runaround, Starship Trooper y Roundabout; y también se incluyeron tres de las mejores pistas de su disco Magnification.
El concierto parte con una hermosa obertura a cargo de la orquesta y engancha extraordinariamente bien con una soberbia interpretación de Close To The Edge. Ya ahí es para quedar hundido en el asiento, extasiado. Sigue con Long Distance Runaround, un poco como para sacarte del trance, y continúa con Don’t Go y In The Presence Of del disco Magnification. Esta última es una canción realmente hermosa y que suena grandiosa interpretada en vivo.
Ya te sientes más que pagado con lo que va del concierto, cuando Jon hace una pequeña comparación del mundo hace 30 o más años atrás, un mundo convulsionado por guerras, hambre, terror, opresión, con el mundo de ahora para concluir que los seres humanos no cambiamos y estamos en exactamente lo mismo hoy en día. Y se lanzan con el Gates Of Delirium, en una interpretación perfecta en su arreglo orquestal y en la técnica y emoción que la banda te transmite. El caos se siente en el momento álgido, con la banda y toda la orquesta gritando los horrores de la delirante humanidad:

Stand the marchers soaring talons
Peaceful lives will not deliver freedom
Fighting we know,
Destroy oppression
The point to reaction
As leaders look to you attacking

Para desembocar en el canto de esperanza del final cuando la perfecta sliding guitar de Howe avisa que la hermosa voz de Anderson nos viene a anunciar que pronto las tinieblas desaparecerán y que la luz nos traerá la razón de existir:

Soon oh soon the light
Pass within and soothe this endless night
And wait here for you
Our reason to be here

¿Qué puede venir después de esta poderosa obra de arte? Un merecido relax… El señor Steve Howe nos lo ofrece en sus expertas manos y dedos, con un solo de guitarra en el que combina Lute Concerto in D Major, 2nd Movement y Mood For A Day. A los que se saben de memoria el Fragile, a lo mejor le desconcierte un poco la interpretación del Mood… pero, el maestro es el maestro y qué se le va a hacer.
Paremos la marcha, estamos en la mitad del show, descansemos un poquito.
Después de esta calma pasajera tenemos más…
Pues el concierto sigue con el famoso Starship Trooper, que es precedido por una sabrosa anécdota narrada por Jon, quien cuenta que hace unos días, antes del primer concierto, se le acercó un tipo enorme (claro, al lado de él es fácil que todos se vean enormes) y le preguntó si en el concierto iban a tocar el Starship… Cuando Jon le respondió que no estaba planeado, el tipo le dice “¡Tienen que tocarla!”, a lo que el esmirriado Anderson sumisamente accedió. Es, entre paréntesis, la única canción que la banda interpreta sola, sin la orquesta…
Ya con el motor caliente de nuevo, se lanzan en una espectacular versión de Magnification, aplaudida a rabiar por el público, porque en realidad es una canción de hermandad sublime, hermosa:

Perception of living
I realize I’m not alone
The rings that divide
Break again upon the stone
I will show you a necklace
Where the pearls would all be lost
Without the thread between together
his would be the golden thread of trust

Después de este hermoso himno de amor fraternal, sigamos hablando del amor, nos dice Jon. Y le dedica la siguiente canción al amor de su vida, a su pareja que lo acompaña para donde él vaya. ¿Qué más podíamos pedir? Los acordes de guitarra de Steve empiezan a sonar inconfundibles y se nos cae encima And You And I. Creo que acerca de esta canción se ha escrito mucho y todos la conocemos más que bien; solamente debo decir que en esta oportunidad la interpretación es más que soberbia, sobresaliente.
Elevados a la altura mística del amor, Yes nos transporta en seguida a otra fase del misticismo, a través del último movimiento del extraordinario Tales From Topographic Oceans; sí, efectivamente estoy hablando del Ritual: Nous Sommes Du Soleil. Es la primera vez también que escucho este tema interpretado en vivo por Yes y la verdad es que me cuesta encontrar las palabras para catalogarlo. ¿Magnífico? Por decir lo menos. Ojo con la portentosa ejecución de Chris Squire en su perenne Rickenbacker, que en sus gigantescas manos parece una guitarrita. No hay nadie igual que él, él es Yes señores. ¡Qué carácter! ¡Qué limpieza dentro de tanta complejidad rítmica!
Lamento decirles que ya hemos pasado el clímax del concierto. Ritual nos elevó tanto que tememos que de repente podamos caer inexorablemente a un abismo de oscuridad.
Sin embargo, Yes se encarga de que esto no suceda y nos deleita con la última canción de este concierto: I’ve Seen All Good People. Durante años he tratado de encontrarle un significado preciso a esta bella canción y me ha sido imposible. Si uno lee las letras ve una especie de manual de táctica de ajedrez, visto desde la perspectiva de un alfil negro. Hay referencias por ejemplo al movimiento de la reina blanca:

Make the white queen run so fast

Y también:

Move me onto any black square

Este alfil le está cantando ya sea al Rey o a la Reina negra, porque también les advierte:

Don't surround yourself with yourself

Siendo el segundo “yourself” el ejército de peones o el cuerpo político. Seguramente se lo dice a la Reina, porque la movilidad de ésta es su verdadera fuerza y si estuviera rodeada por peones se pondría en peligro, mientras que el Rey necesita toda la protección que pueda obtener.
Pero, ¿quién le cantaría al ajedrez en una canción? Bueno, se supone que el rock progresivo soporta todo, pero de seguro las referencias al ajedrez están dadas en un sentido metafórico y muy posiblemente se refiere a una relación y a ser utilizado por alguien más. “I've seen all good people turn their heads” seguramente se refiere a la gente que voltea la cabeza cuando saben que deberían hacer algo para ayudar. “Don't surround yourself with yourself”, no seas tan egoísta o no te encierres tanto en tí mismo. Ustedes saquen sus propias conclusiones…
Dije que era la última canción del show. Y así es, porque después el público pide más y vienen los bises. Y ahí, la banda y la orquesta salen de nuevo e interpretan dos famosas canciones: Owner Of a Lonely Heart y Roundabout. Nunca he sido asiduo a ninguna de las dos; pero Owner... la encuentro nefasta, es casi tanto como Don’t Kill The Whale. Fue una canción ochentera que hasta se bailó en discoteques.
El show termina con varios de los muchachos y muchachas de la orquesta juvenil bailando en el escenario, lo que, una vez más, es reconfortante.
Cansados ya de tanta exuberancia, grandilocuencia, talento y virtuosismo, nos podemos ir a acostar tranquilos, pues ya sabemos precisamente lo que es sinfonía.

Sir Lawn Mower

¿Qué más puedo agregar a todo esto?. Que me voy a arriesgar a dejar éste link al descubierto para que se lo descargue el que quiera, a diferencia de los otros discos de la banda que hemos publicado últimamente. Y si siguen dudando de descargarse el disco, les comento que en Progarchives casi casi tiene la calificación máxima que puede obtener una obra (convengamos que absolutamente ningún disco, incluso "Close to the Edge" tiene una calificación absotamente excelente). Aquí algunos comentarios extraidos de por ahí:

True Masterpiece Prog Rock Concert of all time .!!
Wow! What a dream comes true .. !!! I had long imagined that one day YES would do a recording session with a symphonic orchestra. That was my dream when I first listened to Rick Wakeman's "Journey to The Center of The Earth" - the album that amazed me especially on how Rick did a wild idea to release an a recorded live album without releasing the studio version first! Of course, it's not the case with YES here because this show cast is basically the live performance with a symphonic orchestra: European Festival Orchestra. Actually, I was already happy with an album titled "Symphonic Music of YES" but . this live DVD set is much much grandiose and colossal, I would say. What really impress me also is the fact that the band members do not seem nervous or whatsoever blending their classic hits with a full blown symphonic orchestra. They just perform as they perform without any orchestra. That proves how senior these guys from YES are.
Let me tell you my first impression when I spin the DVD at the very first time where there was a Roger Dean's bridge at my large screen: I was totally stunned! Then the orchestra starts under the title "Overture" that is destined to be an atmosphere setter for the whole show, I guess. Don's expect that this is a sort of "Firebird Suite" usually appear during the opening of Yes concert where typically was continued with "Siberian Khatru" or "Parallels". This time, it's completely new orchestration work. When it is done it flows seamlessly with the legendary epic of the band "Close To The Edge". Oh my God! I never imagined that I would be as stunned as this time (whenever I watch this DVD). Chris Squire does his live acts wonderfully on stage - I really like his style. Musically, I feel that the whole track has been totally powered with full strings of symphonic orchestra. If you are Yes fan, I'm sure that you will definitely agree with me that this opening epic is damn wonderful! I like the use of timpani in critical transitions or break to enrich the textures of Yes music.
Having done with the great "Close To The Edge", the symphonic orchestra does another nice symphony to set the atmosphere for the next track "Long Distance Runaround". Well, I have to be honest that I feel like "disjointed" enjoying the end of orchestra with Steve's guitar fills to begin this tune. But it's immaterial compared to the excellent performance of the band. Next is the band's performance with their latest album "Magnification" through two excellent tracks " Don't Go" and "In the Presence Of". Alan White plays some keyboard at the intro part of "In The Presence Of". Musically, I love the compositions of "In The Presence Of" as it melody flows dynamically throughout the track and I like the ending part - so catchy.
For me personally, "Gates of Delirium" is the best of best tracks from YES. And I'm lucky that the band brings this track alive with symphonic orchestra! Yeaaahhh ...!!!! Before it starts, Jon does some conversation that stresses the no need of war. The opening part is fantastic - especially when I observe how Alan White plays his drum set; it's very dynamic and he plays it energetically. The keyboard that sounds like "boiling water" with Patrick Moraz studio version is disappearing (unfortunately) but luckily it is filled by excellent orchestration. Chris? Don's ask me man . he does his job wonderfully with his attractive stage acts! Unfortunately Steve (who used to be very energetic with Yessongs or Keys) this time looks so gloomy - face wise - it seems he has a lot of things in his mind; well, I don't know exactly what happen with him. But he plays his guitar excellently. Jon singing is different with the studio version - it's kind like voice line 2 but it's much more lively, I think. The DVD offers us with multiple angles so when I select angle 2 I can see a lot of documentary world war I film (black and white). The symphonic orchestra does their best in this epic. One thing that I really like about this song is its musical flow where it starts slow and gradually increase into more rocking tempo. When it reaches the bass guitar solo - that is the best part that I really enjoy about this track! Oh man . how can a human being can create this wonderful composition???? Tell me my friend! Tell me! Oh ... The music then turns into quieter passage and welcomes the ending part "Soon" until it ends .. Marvelous! (As for my individual preferense, I feel that the stage act of keyboard player Tom Brislin is way too much overacting. Sorry to say, it's disgusting for my taste especially when he plays his keyboard in a rude style . Indeed he cannot replace either Rick or Patrick - IMHO).
Steve Howe does his solo excellently even though without any smile from his face (unfortunately). "And You And I" is another classic performed beautifully. Jon then talks about the idea that the band made as inspired by a book and wanted to create into four-piece of music. "It's called .. RITUAL!". Yeah . my other favorite track from "Tales From Topographic Ocean". (In my review of "Tales" I did mention about the story behind the making of Tales where Jon was lent a book by Jamie Muir of King Crimson).
What really surprise me is that Steve plays "Owner of a Lonely Heart" - wow! It's hard to believe but it happens. It's quite funny actually especially during the guitar opening where he plays differently - but it's a treat. (It's totally different with the version of 90125 live DVD that also have - Trevor Rabin plays as the studio version). The guitar solo in the interlude part is now filled with a keyboard solo.
"Roundabout" is as usual serving as an encore to the whole live set. It's modified from the original version. It's bit annoying (for my personal taste) seeing the (beautiful) girls from the symphonic orchestra musicians all of them dance on stage during this track. Enough..enough ...
My version contains 2 discs with first disc is the DVD of full symphonic concert and disc 2 is basically the audio CD of the concert. Too bad, there is no "Gates of Delirium" in the CD version, but I have it in bonus disc of my "Magnification" album. It's OK then. Highly recommended!

Gatot Widayanto

Overwhelming
I had some misgivings when Yes announced that they were to tour with a full orchestra. Previous such indulgences by bands such as ELP, Deep Purple, Nice etc. had not always been entirely successful, often resulting in almost separate performances by band and orchestra.
I did however have the pleasure, no make that honour, of seeing Yes perform on this tour with an East European orchestra, in the Armadillo in Glasgow., This superb venue, vaguely similar to the Sydney Opera House, was perfect for what ranks for me as the best performance by Yes (or for that matter anyone else) I have ever seen. I was therefore slightly apprehensive when the DVD was releases as to whether it would manage to capture the magic of the experience, or whether it would tarnish my recollections. It was therefore extremely pleasing to find that my fears on all counts, were unwarranted.
While the "Magnification" album included new material recorded with an orchestra, the music performed live on the following "YesSymphonic" tour has never been (officially) released separately on CD. It has however been made available through this DVD, recorded on the Amsterdam leg of the tour. With the many live Yes albums which are available, it is understandable that not every tour is released in CD format. Given the added spectacle of this particular tour, DVD is clearly the most sensible option.
Unlike the aforementioned experiences of other bands, the orchestra here is seldom heard in isolation but is used throughout to enhance the overall sound. While a keyboard player -Tom Brislin - (not Wakeman, Moraz or Kaye!) was part of the line up, his role was much less to the fore than is usual for a Yes performance, the main function of the orchestra being to replace many of the keyboard parts.
The strategy gives pieces such as "Close to the edge" and "And you and I" an awesome and sometimes overwhelming majesty. The ending section of the latter is slowed right down, with ever increasing crescendos which almost literally push the listener back in their seat, such is the power.
There is a good diversity of old and new songs, including "Ritual", "In the presence of", "Roundabout" (band only encore) etc. During the latter, the youthful orchestra re- appear on stage minus their instruments, to "groove" to the music. How many orchestras would do that?!
The band is very tight throughout, perhaps reflecting the need to keep in perfect time with the orchestra, otherwise things could have become pretty chaotic. How they keep it all together on "The Gates of Delirium" during the "battle" section, is quite bewildering.
My sole disappointment with both the live performance and the DVD comes right at the start. The "Excerpt for the Firebird suite" has since the very early days of Yes signalled to the audience that the band were arriving on stage. It was of course played on tape. YesSymphonic offered the perfect opportunity for a live orchestra to perform the piece. Instead, a specially commissioned orchestral introduction was used. While this is pleasant enough, they should have used "Firebird".
The DVD is superbly filmed, recorded and presented, with a bonus disk of interviews and videos. At various points during the concert, there is the choice of either continuing to watch the performance, or to view animated films which compliment the music.
The Yes Symphionic DVD is an essential addition to the collection of anyone who enjoys the music of Yes. It is arguably the definitive collaboration between group and orchestra.

Bob McBeath

Yes has done it again, they've seemed to top themselves live. Their music has always had a symphonic edge, but now they've taken it one step further and actually played with a symphony. This is the classic line-up of White, Squire, Howe, and Anderson. The keyboardist is an unknown but did a good job playing all-around.
The show opens with Close to the Edge, my personal favorite song of the DVD. The entire group does a good job on this album, especially Howe, with his needless noodling that has become quintessential with his being. After an extended section in the middle, the keyboardist Tom Brislin goes into the Wakeman keyboard solo, and it sounds exactly like the record version.
Other songs that are worth mentioning that are superb are the Gates of Delirium, which was an impressive spectacle of sight and sound. Then there's Ritual, in which Chris Squire gives one of the best live bass performances I've ever seen. Then And You and I, which is always amazing live.
The material from Magnification that they played surprisingly good (I was never terribly fond of modern Yes, I like it, just not all that much. The best of the new material live is In the Presence Of...
Overall, I give this a 4.5 out of 5. I highly recommend it to everybody who likes Yes. This is easily the best Yes concert DVD available at the moment (It's a lot better than the Yessongs DVD).

Robert Peña

5/5 proud stars coming from Zitro : this is my favourite concert DVD yet. Except for Wakeman (a young and extremely talented keyboardist does well), the classic lineup is here and playing like they never played before.
The song selection is good (but I wish they haven't played Magnification, Roundabout and Don't go) ...However, just the inclusion of Gates of Delirium, Close to The Edge, and Starship Trooper made me jump in excitement. All of the songs with the orchestra are played really well, and some of the songs (ritual, In The Presence of, Starship Trooper) sound better than the originals.
Get this DVD ... It is an essential Purchase for a Prog Rock Collection!

Zitro

I fully agree with all the praise that has been heaped on this DVD. A superb program featuring no less than three of Yes' most ambitious 'epics', all expertly performed, with some help from a youthful orchestra. And to top it all, both "And You and I" and "Starship Trooper" sound more gorgeous, more triumphant than on any other live CD (even if Jon's voice is a little tired on the latter). I don't even mind the 'encore' of "Roundabout" (a tune I'm usually not too crazy about): the band are in great spirits, even Steve Howe (finally) smiles.
For me, Howe is the 'mystery man' of this recording. Having seen Yes play live only once, in 1977, I'm amazed he seems totally detached from the rest of the band. He makes no eye contact with anyone, is fully absorbed in playing his solo part, and whenever Chris Squire comes over to him, hoping to strike a few brotherly rock 'n' roll poses, Steve ignores him completely. On many of the tunes (CTTE and "Delirum" for example), Steve's lead guitar now sounds twangier, jazzier than before. To tell you the truth, I miss some of the old sustain.
If you want to see the band in their glory days, you're better off with a copy of LIVE AT GPR. There, the sound of Steve's lead guitar suddenly disappears at times (not during crucial solos, fortunately), and you're stuck with Jon's pedestian rhythm guitar, but you still know which notes you're supposed to hear, and it's simply amazing to see something I'd always wanted to see: Yes anno 1975, in their glory days, when they were young, ambitious - and even beautiful.

Fuxi

During the years some BIG bands had attempt (in fact had done) a mix between the band and an orchestra, to give it a some "extra" symphonic sound, not always has been the best thing, but in this case, Yes with an orchestra makes this DVD awesome, the sound here is great, of course with it´s ups and downs, but in general i think this was a great idea, and very well placed and performanced.
Now im in the shoes of a Yes´fan, so what more could we ask?, i mean, here we can see Close to the Edge, Gates of Delirium and Ritual, 3 big songs, 3 of the most representative songs ever made by this monster of progressive rock, and that´s not the best, the best is that those 3 big songs were very well performanced, honestly i have enough with only that 3 songs that i love, of course i also love Heart of the Sunrise, Roundabout etc, but i cant imagine a concert with that 3 songs. OMG!
All the video is awesome, and one extra point, no Wakeman here eh?, but i dont miss him, in this concert Wakeman, Moraz, Kaye etc were replaced by a young keyboardist called Tom Brislin, i dont know anything about him, but believe me, he did a great job here.
The tracklist is incredible, they performanced various of their classic songs, and some of ther newest songs, in that era Magnification was their new release, which i like so much, they played from Close to the Edge, through Long distance , Mood for aDay, Gates of Delirium, Ritual, Roundabout, to Owner of a Lonely Heart and Magnfication, actually there were 15 songs, but you can imagine, with CTTE, GOD and Ritual , you´ll spend one hour watching those excellent songs, i think the concert was over 3 hours, fantastic!
Obviously i wont review song by song, but i can comment some of their best moments, for example i love when Jon speak tothe crowd introducing In the Prescence of , and of course when Howe makes his marvelous guitar solo, Gates of Delirium is my fav Yes song, so you can imagine i use to repeat that song when the DVD finishes, because it was a great performance, And You And I was of course another igh moment, beautiful, also Owner of a Lonely Heart is nice here making good concetion between band and audience, and during the concert we can appreciate some orchestrás members singins making some happy movements etc, showing us the current mood in the concert which is another extra point here.
I love this DVD, as i said above it´s lenght is over 3 hours, so you have to watch it in good mood, dont watch it if you are tired of something because it could be big enough for you. Of course this DVD is highly recommendale, i wont be so strict, because there are a couple of details for example Dont Go, i dont like it so much, but anyway this album is a masterpiece, if not at least an excellent addition to any prog lover, actually i would give it 4.7 stars, so 5 !

Guillermo H. Urdapilleta

Fantastic performance of Yes together with a symphony orchestra. The band is in really good form here and they seem to be enjoying themselves playing. The set list is amazing, covering such often overlooked albums as Relayer with a fantastic performance of Gates Of Delirium and from Tales From Topographic Oceans, the complete Ritual. Also such classics as Close To The Edge, And You And I, Long Distance Runaround, Roundabout and Starship Trooper. The set list also features songs from their then new album Magnification. These new songs fit in very well with the older classic songs and they are really, really good!
Steve Howe get his own little solo spot with an acoustic guitar performing a beautiful classical piece (Vivaldi?) as well as Mood For A Day. Amazing and very, very beautiful! Alan White also gets to show his ability on a drum solo in Ritual (and he is also later joined by all the other band members banging on various percussion instruments!)
Keyboard player Tom Brislin does a good job imitating both Rick Wakeman and Patric Moraz, though he doesn't add much himself. The orchestra is really good and they really add to the music without overshadowing the band itself. Jon Anderson performes his vocals without any mistakes whatsoever, as usual. Chris Squire, once again, proves that he is the best and most innovative bassist in history with several bass solos, most notably in Ritual but also in other songs.
My only criticism is that the members of the orchestra does ridiculous things; holding their instruments up in the air, waving them around, and also in Roundabout the female members of the orchestra are allowed to dance around on stage! Please! Why!?
Still this show is amazing!

Fritz-Anton

As happens so often with albums (or in this case DVD's) the recent average of this release is exactly what it's worth to me. I just witnessed the full thing again and contemplated my rating thoroughly and it will have to be some 4,5 and that's what is got so far (4,46). Leaves the problem for the final rating but first of course let's go through this great live DVD.
Yes must have thought: let's start with the highlight. The first real song they play here is the super classic Close to the Edge. Even though the men get a little bit rusty after all those years and I have to get used to this nowadays status of the band members, I can only say: terrific performance. It's always a thrill to hear this great song but to see it played live by the band after 30 years still in an almost perfect way, it's really incredible, shivers down the spine, I can say no less. Jon Anderson makes a funny impression sometimes with his gestures, I mean I'm not a Yes fanboy so I'm not really into the band compared to the die heart fans so I'm not even sure what kind of person Jon is, but as the concert goes on, I find him more and more sympathetic. From time to time he applauds the fans in the Amsterdam concert hall as they applaud him. It's as if he is saying: isn't it a miracle that we're all still here together after these many many years of playing and touring. And so it is, the people in the audience are almost the same age as the band members I estimate and here they are gathered in this great venue, life has been kind to them and both musicians (including the orchestra !) and audience are having the time of their lives. A great experience. After the famous epic, two more average songs to calm things down before In the Presence of of their latest album Magnification takes its turn. Second great performance so far, a wonderful song. But after this it's peak time: Gates of Delirium ! The execution of this second super epic is even more perfect than Close to the Edge. Both songs compete within me for a long time about which is the ultimate best, it's very tough but on this live DVD Gates is the winner. The steel play of Howe is absolutely amazing. And after this Howe gets the opportunity to show more of his great class on an acoustic guitar. Breathtaking stuff, rightly so rewarded by the crowd and also admiring words from Anderson by the way.
After these highlights we have had the best of the concert but that's only logical. Yet there is enough to enjoy like Starship Trooper, And you and I and an impressive performance of Ritual. Last three songs are on itself dispensable for me but it has to be said: they gave the opportunity to the crowd to enjoy in another way, more like in a dance and enjoy way. In this way they pleased about everybody that was a witness of the great concert. But to most the real pleasure was being a witness ...
4/5 stars in the end because the set list wasn't the very best you can think of. If they would have played Awaken and Heart of the Sunrise as well, it would probably have been perfect. Still, the effort on Gates of Delirium made me have serious doubts about giving the full 5. A must have for every Yes fan and probably every prog fan.

Henk van der Hoff

Yes' SYMPHONIC LIVE is, put simply, THE ultimate prog rock concert. Orchestra in full, entire reconstructions of what I consider to be the best ever prog tracks, and some awesome playing by guys in their late 50's. So what's not to like? Very little! The lack of Wakeman may disappoint some die-hard fans, although I myself, a self admitted Yes fanboy, couldn't have been more impressed by Brislin's playing. He truly does the tracks justice, as do the new arrangements, and I can't think of any complaints as far as the playing goes.
The setlist is fantastic, featuring some of the proggiest, some of the poppiest, and some of the best latest. Particular standouts are CttE, which is always awesome to hear, especially live, Gates Of Delirium, which is played a lot less live by the band than I would have hoped, and Starship Trooper, which features a nearly all-orchestral instrumentation.
The band plays perfectly, but the real stars of this show are the orchestra - It takes guts to do what they did, and they did it with absolutely no flaws. Even during the truly intense prog sections of Gates Of Delirium, the orchestra never slip up, and continue to thrill and re-invent at true masterpiece with every trumpet note and violin squeal. I rarely find myself so thrilled by performances of songs, but this is a real exception - Seeing the tracks reinvented like this shines a whole new light on the older tracks, and reinvigorates the new'uns.
The playing is brilliant - No slip ups whatsoever, and every note has just as much, if not more, heart and soul within it than it did on the originals. When a band can do what they did in 1972 better in 2002, you know they're something truly extraordinary, and this stands as a testament.
Easy 5/5 star! -Joel

Joel G.

One of Yes's best live releases and better than any other "attempts" by other bands to tour with a symphony orchestra.
I think I speak for us all when I say that the real gems here are the epics. 'CTTE', 'Gates...' and specifically 'Ritual', work EXTREMELY well with the orchestra, sounding fuller and brighter than ever, yet you can still hear the band. The set list overall, seems to be perfect. Exactly perfect. For me anyway. Loads of great songs are there, all the classics, plus some rarely played material as well.
Temporary keyboard player Tom Brislin is faultless, blending the respectful note-for-note solos of Wakeman and Moraz with his own energetic styles. Alan, Chris and Steve have played better but are also very energetic, no complaints there. Jon is wonderful as usual, leading the songs with his angelic voice, and occassionally dabbling in incidental percussion, acoustic guitar and keyboards. The orchestra deliver everything a Yes song could ask for plus more, and even keep up in the frantic battle section of 'Gates...'. Amsterdam is well filmed and lit. It's colourful and clear with only a few annoying shots (during 'Don't Go' for example). And the sound seems to be well mixed.
Watch this in surround sound for the ultimate symphonic prog experience.

Matt Hall

High class concert by Yes. One of the first I've ever seen.
Performance is perfect, there are no errors (only I sense that keyboards were changed, playing short tone lengths instead of long on Close to the Edge), instead of obvious necessity choice - replacement of Rick Wakeman (what could they do anyway). Combination of Yes Symphonic sounds and Symphonic Orchestra sounds is perfect and also, done without mistakes, even some people who were used to certain (studio) version of these songs will be surprised, maybe little bit disturbed by changes that had to been made because of added orchestral element. Especially Gates of Delirium sounds stunning, this song brings feelings and moods that hits very soul of mine.
Maybe also because of orchestra, songs sounds good, even the new ones (which are basically worse then classic era ones). Jon could still sing well at the moment, even his spoken parts (before/after songs) is unusual experience (I'm not used to listen speaking someone with voice like his), even as I said, singing is perfect. I note that Steve Howe looks particulary good here, something that is not so easy to achieve (his pictures used to scare me when I was younger). He also uses guitar with chopped neck at one time. I thought it's just hidden from point when camera is taking the picture, but nope, it's not here at all.
Chris Squire wears nice cloak. And except he reminds me Pendragon vocalist (with Richie Blackmore mustache), he does a perfect job. Tom Brislin isn't bad, but jumping and behaving as wild as Jordan Rudess (or Neal Morse) doesn't fit here at all (with all these calm, aged, yet skilled and still perfect gentlemen). All women orchestra (it seems like that, they're hiding men in darkness and out of camera eye most of the time) gets proper limelight, even women are more visible.
I'm stunned and even I would like to see my two other favourite songs (new and old respectively) "Homeworld" and "Yours Is No Disgrace"
5(-), SYMPHONIC Prog Rock masterpiece, I want Rick anyway.

Marty McFly

This Yes live DVD is an incredible visual experience. Every member is at the top of their game; White, Squire, Anderson, Howe are of course as masterful as usual, but the real bonus here is the symphony orchestra that enhances every track with a grandiose classical touch - the European Festival Orchestra. The orchestra amalgamate with Yes to produce some of the greatest live Yes material. Of particular note are the stellar versions of 'Close To The Edge' all 20 minutes of it, 'In The Presence Of', 'The Gates Of Delirium' clocking 23:30, and one of the best renditions of 'Starship Trooper' I have heard.
The concert DVD also boasts some soloing from Steve Howe which is always a treat. The wonderful setlist includes 'Magnification', 'And You And I', and a 28 minute version of Topographic's 'Ritual'. Of course stalwart classics are here such as classy 'I've Seen All Good People', a different version of 'Owner Of A Lonely Heart' and the magnificent 'Roundabout'.
The sound quality is excellent and it all wraps up beautifully with some stellar special features. The Dreamtime documentary is fantastic fun viewing and the bonus video of 'Don't Go' is a nice touch. The menus work well and are cool eye candy, but of course the actual show is the piece de resistance. This is one of the best live performances and I always look forward to watching it. A masterpiece concert and one of a kind for the Yes fanatic.

Scott Tuffnell

Para pasar la pandemia, aquí tienen algo que los hará felices aún si les agarra el aguacero.
Que lo disfruten.
Y no olviden agradecer a Horacio Manrique...

Lista de Temas:
CD 1
1. Overture
2. Close To The Edge
3. Don't Go
4. In The Presence Of
5. The Gates Of Delirium
6. Steve Howe Guitar Solo
CD 2
1. Starship Trooper
2. Magnification
3. And You And I
4. Ritual
5. I've Seen All Good People
6. Owner Of A Lonely Heart
7. Roundabout

Alineación:
- Alan White / drums, percussion
- Chris Squire / bass, vocals
- Jon Anderson / vocals, guitars
- Steve Howe / guitars, vocals
Guest:
Tom Brislin / keyboards