m_thomp Posted January 25, 2009 Share Posted January 25, 2009 For the past few days I've been listening to Philip Glass' Koyaanisqatsi soundtrack. This is my first taste of Glass' work and I'm very taken by it, however, I'm a bit green when it comes to the rest of the Glass back catalogue and don't know what's best to sample next, or even what to avoid. Are there any Glass afficienados out there who could give me some pointers and recommendations? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
WaronWar Posted January 25, 2009 Share Posted January 25, 2009 I've heard "Music in Twelve Parts" is good. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
LouieB Posted January 25, 2009 Share Posted January 25, 2009 Start anywhere, it pretty much all sounds alike.... LouieB Quote Link to post Share on other sites
myboyblue Posted January 26, 2009 Share Posted January 26, 2009 Although probably more minamalistic than most of his stuff, I'm a big fan of his Solo Piano album. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
blindgonzo Posted January 26, 2009 Share Posted January 26, 2009 Although probably more minamalistic than most of his stuff, I'm a big fan of his Solo Piano album. ditto Quote Link to post Share on other sites
lizish Posted January 26, 2009 Share Posted January 26, 2009 I like the operas. The soundtracks after The Saquatsi movies do all sound the same. I remember trying to get friends convinced to watch them in the 80s. The asked if there was going to be 4th film called Diddley-squatsi. Anyway, Einstein on the Beach is excellent and my favourite is Satyagraha. The one aria of Gandhi's leave from South Africa back to India is awesome. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
bjorn_skurj Posted January 26, 2009 Share Posted January 26, 2009 I could be wrong, but I think the Koyanisqaatsi soundtrack is all the Philip Glass most people, me included, really need. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
entropy Posted January 26, 2009 Share Posted January 26, 2009 I don't know anything about Phil, but his friend Nico Muhly is a veritable genius. Please, please, check out 'Speaks Volumes' and 'Mothertongue,' as well as his inspiring work on Samamidon's 'All Is Well.' Quote Link to post Share on other sites
uncool2pillow Posted January 26, 2009 Share Posted January 26, 2009 He did a piece based upon Bowie's Low and/or Heroes. You might like that for the familiar melodies. If they're familiar to you. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
m_thomp Posted January 26, 2009 Author Share Posted January 26, 2009 Thanks for your help guys. I think I'm as confused now as I was before I wrote the request. I'm not being cheeky but you all have differing opinions, so I guess any form of consensus regarding Glass is difficult. Solo Piano has come up a couple of times so I think that's going to be my next port of call. Many thanks again. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
LouieB Posted January 26, 2009 Share Posted January 26, 2009 I could be wrong, but I think the Koyanisqaatsi soundtrack is all the Philip Glass most people, me included, really need.Actually getting the movie and watching it with the soundtrack is a great introduction to Glass. It works very well and will give you an idea of what he is up to. Then the soundtrack alone will work even better. He did a piece based upon Bowie's Low and/or Heroes. You might like that for the familiar melodies. If they're familiar to you.I have listened to that (got a copy for like very little a few years back), and I think it is NOT the place to start; it is sort of boring really. There is an album with songs on it that may be readily available on LP from your local record store from the 80s called Songs for Liquid Days. IT has a bunch of singers on it that is just okay too. but it is fairly accessable (meant both ways.) LouieB Quote Link to post Share on other sites
deepseacatfish Posted January 26, 2009 Share Posted January 26, 2009 Pick up: Glassworks it is a great, minimal, mesmerizing set of pieces that showcases Glass' trademark arpeggiating style. I'd start with that. While you're at it pick up: Steve Reich's Music For 18 Musicians and John Adams' Road Movies. If you like those get Terry Riley's In C as well. That's a great introduction that will pretty much cover all the bases of minimalism in its glory. Enjoy! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
m_thomp Posted January 26, 2009 Author Share Posted January 26, 2009 Pick up: Glassworks it is a great, minimal, mesmerizing set of pieces that showcases Glass' trademark arpeggiating style. I'd start with that. While you're at it pick up: Steve Reich's Music For 18 Musicians and John Adams' Road Movies. If you like those get Terry Riley's In C as well. That's a great introduction that will pretty much cover all the bases of minimalism in its glory. Enjoy! I've got Music for 18 Musicians and also Riley's In C and A Rainbow In Curved Air, all of which I really like. Thanks for the other suggestions though, I will look to check these out. I have also heard of his work on Bowie's Low and "Heroes". Which I'm presuming is his take on those albums' ambient passages as opposed to a Glass intepretation of Always Crashing The Same Car, Breaking Glass, Sound & Vision, etc? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
TimRoss Posted January 27, 2009 Share Posted January 27, 2009 I've always dug the Kundun soundtrack. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
bjorn_skurj Posted January 27, 2009 Share Posted January 27, 2009 I've always dug the Kundun soundtrack.Yeah, that is pretty good too. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Deaf Ro Posted January 28, 2009 Share Posted January 28, 2009 Some Glass favorites: Einstein on the BeachKronos Quartet performs Philip Glass (string quartets 2, 4, 5)Violin Concerto (with Gidon Kremer: essential)Music in Twelve PartsSymphony No. 3Mishima soundtrackDracula soundtrackPiano EtudesGlassworksEtoile Polaire I also highly recommend Bruce Brubaker's recordings of solo piano music by Glass (which include pieces by John Cage and Alvin Curran). Quote Link to post Share on other sites
tugmoose Posted January 28, 2009 Share Posted January 28, 2009 I saw Reich's "Music for Pieces of Wood" performed at SXSW last year - amazing! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.