Symphonic rock

Proto-prog and psychedelia

Symphonic rock artists in the late 1960s had some chart success, including the singles "Nights in White Satin" (the Moody Blues, 1967) and "A Whiter Shade of Pale" (Procol Harum, 1967). The Moody Blues established the popularity of symphonic rock when they recorded Days of Future Passed together with the London Festival Orchestra. Classical influences sometimes took the form of pieces adapted from or inspired by classical works, such as Jeff Beck's Beck's Bolero, Love Sculpture's Farandole (Arlésienne Suite No 2. Movement 4) and parts of the Nice's Ars Longa Vita Brevis. The latter, along with such tracks as "Rondo" and "America", reflect a greater interest in music that is entirely instrumental. Sgt. Pepper's and Days both represent a growing tendency towards song cycles and suites made up of multiple movements.