I've long been a fan of Phillip Glass and his repetitive musical style, and find this CD to be a good example for people who don't know his music. I believe that if you like this, you'll like his other stuff. If not, then you probably won't. I'm a big fan and have this music in my play list and find it a nice change from some of the other rock, jazz, folk, and world music i enjoy.
August 8, 2008After seeing the Ballet, and hearing the music I had to own it so I could listen again. An artistic creation of the first rank.
June 2, 2008 |  | Classical music of different kind... |  |
Around 1980-Just when people thought it was impossible for anyone to compose "classical" music that was fresh, original and appealing, Philip Glass and his minimalist style came along. The idea is that the mood builds up in a repeatetive (trance-like) manner. On this CD, it is quite ineresting how Glass manages to create various moods, as well as, capture human emotions, in what may seem to be a very limiting framework. He makes very good use of orchestral colors through various instruments.
Other minimalist pieces that are also quite moving are "Nixon in China" by Adams and "Song of Sorrow" by Gorecki.
October 31, 2007Perhaps it is true that the work of Phillip Glass has been of ambiguous nature; many different subconsciousness that would be drawn to his music and many alike would be pulled back in similiar impact or just simply stand in plain confusion. His music works perfect for the medium of film, not because there is another medium 'filling up the void' in his style, but it's the commentary that it makes on the story while the film runs on its own. This music leaves much to the imagination of those filled with it, to tell their own story. It can handle almost anything one throws at it; irony, contradiction, pain, relief, comedic, anything, it will almost seem to work out well perfectly for certain individuals. Minimalism is a common label on this music, however it is precisely minimalism that leaves the mind to explore on its own. Classical greats like Bach, although in a similiar vein, still lay down the scenery in a more conspicuous manner than Glass. After all, this is contemporary art; and it will not work out well for those who do not have the audacity to create their own mental scenes but rather rely more on music for a more solid comprehension to come through.
March 24, 2007| | | Glassworks is an amazing album | |
Although I'd heard of Philip Glass I was quite unaware of his music until I attended a performance of The Upper Room by the Washington Ballet in October 2006. The music is by Philip Glass and the choreography by Twyla Tharp. It was one of the most memorable artistic experiences of my life. It was incredible.
I subsequently purchased Glassworks and find the music to be extremely powerful. I recommend this album absolutely. I find most of the pieces on the album to be profoundly moving. The last movement from "The Upper Room" is especially powerful and significant.
November 11, 2006More reviews at Amazon.com ...
(16 reviews)