The sub-genre of sympohonic rock, which is characterized by exaggeratedly drawn-out orchestral arrangements and often fantastical subject matter, is a pillar of progressive rock music. Some symphonic rock pioneers, such as Genesis and King Crimson, experimented with full orchestral themes and soundscapes using standard rock equipment and synthesizers. Other groups, such as the Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO), have taken a different approach, forming a full-fledged rock orchestra to perform classically tinged modern arrangements.
The presence of a rock band’s rhythm section in a traditional orchestra is a clear indication that it is a rock orchestra. This means that in addition to the standard orchestra’s string, horn, and woodwind sections, an electric guitar, bass, and drum kit — sometimes multiples of each — would be added. As a result, a rock orchestra can perform rock arrangements with a classical twist as well as classical arrangements with a rock twist.
Many consider the British bands Yes, Genesis, Moody Blues, and King Crimson to be the pioneers of symphonic rock in the 1960s. These bands, which frequently perform with a full rock orchestra, peaked in the 1970s and 1980s, but have since declined. Dedicated rock orchestras such as ELO, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Ultrasonic Rock Orchestra, and others, on the other hand, are still carrying the torch of symphonic-style rock, albeit from a different perspective.
Established orchestras will occasionally change their ranks to become a rock orchestra, as in the case of the albumThe Royal Philharmonic’s Orchestra Presents Symphonic Rock. Rock orchestras are more likely to form on a smaller scale. Music teachers frequently organize these groups in order to entice students to join bands. They’re also a part of some camp experiences, such as the one founded by Mark Wood of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Counselors at that camp gave students a crash course in rock instrumentation, which was followed by a concert-hall performance.
Any rock band can add an orchestra to give a symphonic sound to certain recordings or performances. The Beatles’ album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, for example, features a broad orchestral sound in parts. Pink Floyd, despite being a psychedelic rock band, occasionally used a rock orchestra sound in their music, as evidenced by the song “Atom Heart Mother” from the group’s 1970 album of the same name. In 2011, bands like Radiohead and Coldplay used a rock orchestra sound on a variety of samples.