Social and political history of 2112:Temples of Syrinx?

[Fassa Albrecht]

This is going to be the whackiest question I've ever asked.

Basically I study a module on my course dedicated to the influence of Greek and Roman culture on culture (art, literature, music and prose) from 1550 onwards.

I discovered recently that the Syrinx is a reference to the nymph who turned to reeds and was made into pan pipes by Apollo and so thought to use this song in my exam.

But what I need to know is this: what political, social, cultural and personal factors also encouraged the band to write the song in the way they did? For example, where there any major political events or events in the music industry which may have triggered the use of the classical ideal of music as a tool of musical oppression?


Any help will be appreciated!

[8guy]

Actualy Neil was a big fan of the author Ayn Rand, I belive a lot of that comes from her book Anthem..I could be wrong though

[Ozonbass]

thought this might add a bit....

..."The story parallels that of Anthem by Ayn Rand, who is credited in the liner notes. The society of Anthem is similar to that described in "Temples of Syrinx". They are very socialist, with the word "I" being banned and forgotten. There is no electricity; all light is by candle. Rather than a guitar, in Anthem, the protagonist re-invents the light bulb in a tunnel. He brings it to the leaders who, like in "Presentation," dismiss it and even claim that it would be the death of society as they know it.
Lyricist Neil Peart has claimed that while he based the song around the concept of Anthem, he was unaware that the parallels were so similar until after writing the song - thus necessitating the liner tribute to "the genius of Ayn Rand."

Not my words...but I thought it was interesting.