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Yes reissued their 2002 concert album *Symphonic Live* on four 180‑gram vinyl LPs via Mercury Studios/UMG, released January 23, 2026.
The set captures the complete 14‑track Yes Symphonic Tour performance, recorded November 22, 2001, at Heineken Music Hall in Amsterdam.
Lineup features Jon Anderson, Chris Squire, Steve Howe, Alan White, keyboardist Tom Brislin, joined by the European Festival Orchestra conducted by Wilhelm Keitel.
What differentiates this vinyl edition from earlier incarnations is less the repertoire and more the way scale and density are translated into the groove. A four‑LP layout allows wider groove spacing and lower average level, which is crucial for a live recording that layers amplified rock instrumentation against a full orchestra. The half‑speed approach pays dividends in the upper octaves: string overtones and massed brass retain harmonic complexity without collapsing into splashy glare, while cymbal decays sit deeper into a quieter noise floor. Compared to earlier digital editions, the presentation leans toward macro‑dynamics and front‑to‑back depth rather than sheer loudness, an approach that suits the symphonic material far better.
From a technical perspective, the decision to dedicate an entire side to artwork etching is not merely cosmetic. By removing audio from the final side, the remaining program avoids inner‑groove congestion at the most demanding moments, particularly during long‑form pieces where modulation density typically peaks near the label. This is especially relevant for extended compositions that move from sparse passages to full orchestral tuttis; the vinyl format here prioritizes linearity and tracking stability over maximal running time. Forum‑style listeners will note that this kind of sequencing often results in more stable imaging and less intermodulation during climactic sections.
There is also an interesting contrast between the vinyl box and the parallel optical‑disc configuration. While the Blu‑ray emphasizes visual documentation and supplemental material, the LP set frames the concert as a purely sonic event, encouraging uninterrupted listening across multiple sides. That curatorial choice aligns with a broader audiophile preference for format‑specific mastering rather than one‑size‑fits‑all transfers. In that sense, this reissue is less about nostalgia and more about presenting a complex live recording in a way that acknowledges the physical and acoustic realities of vinyl playback.
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* Yes reissued their 2002 concert album *Symphonic Live* on four 180‑gram vinyl LPs via Mercury Studios/UMG, released January 23, 2026.

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