Symphonic rock is a style of
rock music (see
rock and roll) that incorporates elements from
classical music. Such elements can for example be classical instruments, classical themes or classical composition schemes. Other characteristics are that the music is often complex, at least when compared to other types of rock and
popular music, that elaborate compositions are used (resulting in long songs and
concept albums), and that the
synthesizer is an important instrument. Symphonic rock had its highest popularity in the
1970s and early
1980s. Symphonic rock groups include: