Tony Banks – From Genesis to Orchestral Genius: Exclusive Interview
In this episode of the Now Spinning Magazine podcast, I had the immense pleasure of interviewing Tony Banks, legendary composer, keyboardist, and founding member of Genesis. Our conversation centered around his latest 3-CD box set, 18 Pieces for Orchestra, which spans over three hours of his orchestral compositions.
Tony’s journey into classical and orchestral music has been fascinating. Unlike many rock musicians who transition into solo projects focused on pop or rock, Tony took an entirely different path, allowing his deep appreciation for classical music to guide him. This new collection brings together works from three distinct orchestral albums: Seven: A Suite for Orchestra (2004), Six Pieces for Orchestra (2012), and Five (2018), showcasing his evolution as an orchestral composer.
We delved into Tony’s early exposure to classical music, influenced by his mother’s record collection, which laid the foundation for his appreciation of composers like Rachmaninoff and Ravel. Despite having a rock background, he discussed the strong classical influences present even in Genesis’s music, such as the intricate, layered keyboard work in The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway.
Tony shared how challenging yet rewarding it was to transition from rock to orchestral compositions. Recording Seven with the London Philharmonic Orchestra wasn’t always easy, with some players showing less enthusiasm, prompting him to work with Prague orchestras for subsequent albums. The Prague musicians, many of whom were Genesis fans, brought new life to his compositions, and Tony noted how this transformed the recording experience for both Six and Five.
We also discussed standout pieces from each album. Black Down, from Seven, emerged from improvisations and remains a fan favorite, while Blade, featuring violinist Charlie Siem, showcases the emotional depth Tony can evoke through orchestral music. His latest work, Five, reflects Tony’s refined approach to orchestration, blending lush arrangements and evocative themes, particularly in tracks like Ebb and Flow and Renaissance, the latter featuring choir and violins that create a cinematic grandeur.
Tony was candid about the challenges of gaining recognition for orchestral music as a rock artist. Caught between the worlds of rock and classical, his orchestral work faces unique challenges in gaining a broader audience, yet he remains undeterred. His commitment to writing music is unwavering, and he hinted that we might see more orchestral projects in the future.
For fans of Genesis and prog rock enthusiasts exploring orchestral music, 18 Pieces for Orchestra offers a rich, immersive experience. This box set isn’t just a showcase of Tony’s compositions but a testament to his lifelong love for music in all its forms.
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
Watch and listen to all our Podcasts
