MAGNIFICATION: Anderson’s Final Yes Album, 2001

Yes, MAGNIFICATION (Beyond, 2001).

Yes_-_Magnification
Not Roger Dean, but still rather nice packaging (especially inside)

I was only age 33 when Magnification first came into the world.  Now, fifteen years later, as I approach age 49, I find myself marveling that this was the last Yes album released with Jon Anderson’s vocals.  I’m by no means a Yes purist, but I certainly think of Anderson as synonymous with Yes.  Regardless. . . how well has this album held up?

One of the great problems with mixing rock and classical music is the actual choice of traditionally classical instruments employed.  When it comes to the staples of rock—bass, drums, and guitar—certain classical instruments work extremely well in accompaniment.  Others, not at all, or rarely so.  Generally—at least to my untrained ear—deep strings and woodwinds work best with the traditional instruments of rock.

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