29th Annual Student Research Conference
Yes's Close to the Edge: The Music, Lyrics, and Journey
Ryan M. Jeschke
Dr. Bob Mielke, Faculty Mentor
During the late 1960's and 1970's, progressive rock emerged as a genre which sought to add sophistication and artistic credibility to rock music. Artists paid closer attention to details such as instrumentation, and borrowed techniques from classical music. Yes's album Close to the Edge is considered by many fans and critics to be the epitome of progressive rock. This paper analyzes the music and lyrics of the album's eighteen-minute-long title track, with special attention given to the piece's overall form and repeated musical ideas, as well as how these musical devices support the ideas presented by the lyrics. Together, the music and lyrics bring out the song's overarching theme of a spiritual journey.
Keywords: Progressive Rock, Close to the Edge, Yes, Music
Topic(s):Music
English
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: -1
Location: OP 2210
Time: 8:00