My Mom was a violinist in the symphony. You can clearly see her in the picture on the album cover. She’s to the left of the conductor 3rd row on the outside with the blond hair - just behind the piano. She was in the symphony for 17 years. So proud of her. This is so cool. I only wish they had film of it too.
How could anyone possibly give this a thumbs down? This is a genius piece of music. It is Procol Harum's Masterpiece. Music like this , Close to the Edge , Thick as a Brick , The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway, Tarkus, would probably not make it now. Sadly, most people can't follow it. Glad I grew up with music like this to listen to and learn from.
Almost 50 years later and I still get the chills listening to this. I was only 13 when this LP came out, and I got it right away and listened to it hundreds of times. A perfect marriage of a rock band with orchestra and choir, especially this cut. BJ's "orchestral" drumming was always waiting for this opportunity, and Dave Ball rose to the occasion with some blistering lead work. I can't give enough praise to Gary's singing, songwriting and passion for his music. Having a poet like Keith Reid makes Procul more than a rock band - they transcend any label. Procul Harum got me interested in switching from being in a youth orchestra to starting my own rock band, and I was able to enjoy a career as a mediocre-but passionate musician. Thanks guys!
Shockingly, this classic rock band may never make the rock hall of fame while less deserving and definitely less talented artists do. Look how long it took the moody blues to get in.
This ominous, epic tune is truly one of the first of its kind. It’s the predecessor to nearly all of those long, masterpiece prog songs that would soon follow in the early 70s ( Genesis, Yes, Focus, etc…. ). But this song is legendary in its own way.
I don't know how many times I've listened to this since it came out over fifty years ago, but it's been many... and it still moves me immensely every time I listen to it.
I just read recently of Gary's death. Iv'e been in a "deep shade of sadness". My first 45 way back when was "AWSP". Our grief is personal as Gary's passing is more to do with our journey with him and PH v where Gary has gone to. I'm sure as Gary reached the top of that beenstalk it was to the tune of the "In Held" closing finale. What a way to enter heaven. God bless my son would have been the welcome.
![Procol Harum - In Held 'Twas In I [Live With The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra]](/img/logo.svg){kind=logo}
