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"Siberian Khatru" is the third and final song on progressive rock band Yes' album Close to the Edge. A live version is found on Yessongs. It is notable for being the only song on Close to the Edge that is not a multi-part suite. However, Siberian Khatru contains several separate melodies, tones, and sections in the tradition of progressive rock. An interesting live version appears on the groups' 2-disc album set Yessongs which is preceded by Firebird Suite by Igor Stravinsky.
The word 'khatru' was apparently invented by Jon Anderson; Stravinsky's Rite of Spring is an acknowledged influence on the song.
[edit] Structure
Siberian Khatru begins with an introductory guitar riff, after which the main instrumental theme (played by the keyboards) is introduced, a four-measure phrase consisting of three bars in common time (4/4) and the last bar in 3/4. This theme is repeated until the verse section begins. The lyrics start at about 1:05. The song progresses through various sections, featuring solos by Steve Howe and Rick Wakeman. There is a polyrhythmic section featuring the guitar, playing in a meter of 12, and bass and drums playing in a meter of 8. The conclusion is similar to the introduction, returning to the main instrumental theme with a guitar solo on top of it.
