Movie spotlight
Rick Wakeman - Journey To The Centre Of The Earth
Richard Christopher "Rick" Wakeman (born 18 May 1949) is an English keyboardist, songwriter, television and radio presenter, and author. He is best known for being in the progressive rock band Yes across five tenures between 1971 and 2004 and for his solo albums released in the 1970s. Rick Wakeman - Journey To The Centre Of The Earth movie Recorded in Melbourne Australia with that city's Philharmonic Orchestra in 1975, a sell-out crowd of 30,000 saw Wakeman perform at the height of his career. Rick Wakeman - Journey To The Centre Of The Earth video It contains songs from his concept albums THE SIX WIVES OF HENRY VIII, KING ARTHUR AND THE KNIGHTS OF THE ROUND TABLE, and of course the record from which the concert takes its title. Rick Wakeman - Journey To The Centre Of The Earth film JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH captures a seminal moment in the live performances of progressive rock.
Insights
Plot Summary
This live concert film captures Rick Wakeman's ambitious performance of his concept album 'Journey to the Centre of the Earth'. Based on Jules Verne's novel, the production blends progressive rock music with orchestral arrangements and a narrative spoken by guest narrator David Hemmings. The film documents the spectacle of the performance, featuring Wakeman's virtuosic keyboard skills, elaborate stage design, and the combined forces of a rock band, orchestra, and choir.
Critical Reception
The original album was a commercial success, topping the UK charts and demonstrating the growing popularity of progressive rock and symphonic music. Critical reception for the live performance and film generally praised the musicality and ambition, though some found the concept overly grandiose. It is remembered as a landmark in '70s progressive rock.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its ambitious fusion of rock and classical music.
Wakeman's keyboard prowess and the scale of the production were highlights.
Some critics found the operatic scope and narrative somewhat overwrought.
Google audience: Audience reception for the album and its live performance has been largely positive, with many appreciating the epic scope, musical complexity, and Wakeman's innovative approach to blending genres. It is considered a classic by fans of progressive and symphonic rock.
Awards & Accolades
None notable, though the original album was a major commercial success.
Fun Fact
The original concept album was recorded in just one weekend, with Wakeman reportedly paid a substantial sum for its fast production.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources