Rick Wakeman - Journey to the Centre of the Earth with the London Symphony Orchestra 12" Vinyl LP Album

In 1974, amidst the flourishing progressive rock scene, English keyboardist Rick Wakeman embarked on an ambitious musical journey with "Journey to the Centre of the Earth." This live album, a concept piece based on Jules Verne's classic novel, was a groundbreaking fusion of symphonic orchestration, rock instrumentation, and theatrical storytelling.

A Sonic Expedition into Uncharted Territory

Wakeman's vision for "Journey to the Centre of the Earth" was to create a musical experience that transcended the boundaries of traditional rock. He combined the power and energy of his rock band, the English Rock Ensemble, with the grandeur and majesty of the London Symphony Orchestra and the English Chamber Choir. The result was a sprawling, multi-layered soundscape that took listeners on an epic adventure.

Musical Exploration and Genre Fusion

The album's narrative structure, based on Verne's novel, allowed Wakeman to explore a wide range of musical styles and moods. From the dramatic opening chords of "The Journey" to the ethereal beauty of "The Forest," the album's music evoked a sense of wonder, danger, and discovery. Wakeman's virtuosic keyboard playing, combined with the orchestral arrangements, created a unique and unforgettable listening experience.

The Production Team and Recording Process

The album was produced by Wakeman himself, with David Hemmings providing the narration. The live recording took place at the Royal Festival Hall in London, where the band and orchestra performed the piece twice in one day. The recording captured the excitement and energy of the live performance, adding to the album's overall impact.

Controversies and Critical Reception

While "Journey to the Centre of the Earth" was a commercial success, reaching number one on the UK Albums Chart, it also faced criticism from some progressive rock purists. Some felt that the album's theatrical elements and narrative structure detracted from the music itself, while others praised Wakeman for his innovative and ambitious approach.

Historical Context and Impact

Released at a time when progressive rock was pushing the boundaries of musical expression, "Journey to the Centre of the Earth" stands as a testament to Wakeman's creative vision and ambition. The album's success paved the way for other concept albums and live recordings, and it remains a landmark in the history of progressive rock.

The 1970s and 1980s marked a remarkable period in Rick Wakeman's musical career, where he cemented his status as a progressive rock icon and ventured into diverse musical territories.

The Progressive Rock Maestro (1970s)

Wakeman's rise to fame began in the early 1970s as the keyboardist for the progressive rock band Yes. His virtuosic playing and flamboyant stage presence became synonymous with the band's sound, contributing to their most celebrated albums like "Fragile" and "Close to the Edge."

Simultaneously, Wakeman embarked on a successful solo career, releasing a series of ambitious concept albums that showcased his compositional talents and keyboard prowess. "The Six Wives of Henry VIII" (1973) was a critical and commercial success, followed by the groundbreaking "Journey to the Centre of the Earth" (1974). This live album, a fusion of rock, orchestral music, and narration, topped the UK charts and solidified Wakeman's reputation as a pioneer of symphonic rock.

Throughout the decade, Wakeman continued to release solo albums like "The Myths and Legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table" (1975) and "No Earthly Connection" (1976), each pushing the boundaries of progressive rock with elaborate stage shows and thematic concepts.

Diversification and Experimentation (1980s)

The 1980s saw Wakeman branching out into different musical genres and exploring new creative avenues. He scored the soundtrack for the Ken Russell film "Lisztomania" (1975) and collaborated with lyricist Tim Rice on a musical adaptation of George Orwell's "1984" (1984).

Wakeman's solo albums in this decade, such as "1984" and "Silent Nights" (1985), reflected a shift towards more electronic and new-age sounds, showcasing his versatility as a musician. While some fans lamented the departure from his earlier progressive rock style, others appreciated his willingness to experiment and evolve.

Throughout the 1980s, Wakeman continued to tour extensively, both as a solo artist and with various bands, including a reunited Yes. His live performances remained a spectacle, featuring elaborate stage setups and dazzling keyboard solos.