Expert: Geoff Wickens - 4/3/2005

Question
I'm hoping you can help me. I am looking to find epic, dramatic, orchestral music from any era, though most of what I've found that I like is from the 1970s and 1980s.
To give you an idea of what I like, think: Queen, ELO, and the Moody Blues. Conquistador by Procol Harem is another great example.
I like a lot of strings and heart-in-my-throat crescendos. I guess the key word would be dramatic. I love songs that start with a slow and lush intro and build to monumental heights before gently landing me back to ground level.

If you could recommend any bands, or better yet, specific songs, I'd be most appreciative.

Thanks so much!

Keith in Brooklyn, NY  

Answer
To expand on my answer ... going over my CD collection, I came across the consumate story teller ... Harry Chapin.  A lot of his songs never made it to the top 40 because they were too long.  "Cat's In The Cradle" and "Taxi" are 2 of his big hits.  This is not epic in sound, but he does tell (musically) some fantastic stories.

Talk to you soon ....

Thanks!

Geoff