Hearing a radio program on NPR prompted a new interest in this composer....I am really captivated by his minimalistic style. Are there any fans out there who can recommend some recordings (CDs or LPs) I can start with? The only one I have so far is Glassworks, which consists of some of his compositions all performed on organ.
Interestingly, "Jacob's Ladder", by Rush, has a center instrumental section that is completely inspired by Phillip Glass. Also, if you're not a Phillip Glass fan, you can always enjoy his cousin, Ira Glass, who hosts "This American Life"
A bit late to the party, but as mentioned, Koyaanisqatsi is his most seminal recording; it should be paired with the movie for full effect. However, whenever I go into Walmart, I usually have this album in my earbuds as a survival strategy.
Glassworks and Northstar can also serve as a good introduction. Einstein on the Beach - based just on its thematic complexity and scope - should best be saved once you’re familiar with Glass’ style.
I have several of his symphonies, but they never seem to have reached the visceral impact as those other three recordings. YMMV.
Phillip Glass is BIG arpegio dude. Every piece sounds like musicians practicing arpegios of different kind, minor, major, suspended, diminished, pentatonic, quadratonic -- whole composing career is pure arpegio etude. I guess he's somewhat similar to Chopin, but Chopin used a lot more practicing scales than just an arpegio.
The soundtrack for "Mishima" is beautiful as is the "Photographer". The "Low" symphony is one of Glass's most understated and, IMO, best compositions. Gosh, I just counted and I have 44 Glass Cd's! I've been a fan since Eistein on the Beach. On the simpler side, some of Glass's solo piano compositions are stunning. Because of the signiture "big" sound of much of his classical music, I have found that some of his music has been badly recorded creating a muddy "wall of sound" result. However, there are certainly more excellent recordings than bad.
I had to smile at your description of the PG Ensemble live: it is almost word for word the way I've described it in the past;
Nearly asleep, then BAM! (apologies to Emiril) like it's almost a physiological effect. You certainly walk away appreciating the impact that music at high spls can have.
If I recall, the music press was calling it "trance music".
Reich uses more mallet instruments and sparser instrumentation Music for 18 musicians is a great starting place Peter Gabriel's San Jacinto has Reichian flourishes
I saw Glass in Detroit around 83 his consort was playing at Rock volumes at one point I was dead tired and bored then it was like the sky opened up and passages varying slightly overlapped in a way that was totally mesmerizing performers used to bitch about his repetitive parts until they were in the midst of the full score
an odd tidbit, Glass was working as a cab driver in the early 70s to make ends meet before Einstein
Glassworks is the most accessible Glass piece Einstein is fun Koyanisquatsi is a must have film and you get the soundtrack gratis
I've heard Adams but not enough to comment, enjoyed it
if you enjoy these try Brian Eno's Music for Airports
Koyaanisqatsi (I also have the movie DVD) Powaqqatsi (I have the movie DVD for this too) The Photographer (on Vinyl) Songs From Liquid Days (On Vinyl- Great!)
Thanks everyone for your informed suggestions! Audiotomb, you mention similarity to Steve Reich; in reading a bio of Glass, I understand that Steve Reich and John Adams are also key players in the minimalist music school (along, of course, with Terry Riley--the namesake for The Who's "Baba O'Riley"). Can you tell me anything about Reich or Adams?
Well, that narrows it down! (LOL) All good suggestions. In addition (just to confuse you) he did the music for a Jean Genet play, "The Screens," in collaboration with Foday Musa Suso. Absolutely terrific CD. I saw the two of them perform it a few years ago. I also saw Glass with an ensemble perform with Robert Wilson doing a 3D film in the background -- very cool!
The soundtrack "Northstar" (sometimes called "Etoile Polaire") was Glass' crossover breakthrough for rock fans. If you're coming at his music from that angle, this is a good start.
I saw his ensemble perform the piece live sometime in the '70s and took away one message:
Play this loud!
If you're not coming at this from a rock fan's perspective, Stvecham's choices are spot on- Glassworks and the Photographer being the prettiest music (to my ear) and Einstein being the most ambitious.
Enjoy!
Marty
PS For a further rock music connection, Glass collaborated with the band Polyrock on their first LP. This is a great rock record that strongly echoes some of the themes heard on North Star.
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