High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! Journey to the Centre of the Earth is the second album from the English keyboardist and composer Rick Wakeman, released in 1974 through A&M Records. The album is a live recording of his second of two concerts on 18 January 1974 at the Royal Festival Hall in London. Its concept is based on Jules Verne`s eponymous science fiction novel, which tells the story of Professor Lidenbrok, his nephew Axel, and their guide Hans, who follow a passage to the Earth`s centre originally discovered by Arne Saknussemm, an Icelandic alchemist. Wakeman performs with the London Symphony Orchestra, the English Chamber Choir, and a group of hand-picked musicians for his band which later became The English Rock Ensemble. Actor David Hemmings provides the narration to the story.