Music Review: Naxos Records' Sonic Rebellion - Page 3

While Glass has lately tried to distance himself from the minimalist description, his composing, nevertheless has focused on repetitive structures and an elastic sense of time. Glass does describe his compositions through Music in Twelve Parts (1971-1974) as minimalist.

The present Naxos Collection, Of Beauty and Light: The Music of Philip Glass, begins in Glass' post minimalist period beginning with his Violin Concerto (1987) through is Third Symphony (1995). This period is adequately represented on Symphonies Nos. 2 & 3 (8559202) and Violin Concerto / The Company / Prelude from Akhnaten(8559056).

While post minimalist, Glass still retains a tightly structured use of modulation and short, repetitive phrases splashed with chromatic flourishes and consonant peril. Symphony No. 2 is an anxious affair that incorporates many of Glass' movie soundtrack techniques in phrasing and arrangement. The music, while consonant and agreeable to the ear, is disquieting for the listener because of its suspense-laden drama.

Symphony No. 3 is decidedly sunnier, with a more pronounced use of brass and properly dramatic finale's. The symphonies are among the most assessable and enjoyable of Glass' orchestral work. His Violin Concerto is a triumph of simplicity and virtuosity. Symphony No. 4 and the tone poem The Light show Glass' evolution into more complex forms while still retaining his innate rhythmic simplicity.

Philip Glass is perhaps best know for his movie soundtracks, beginning with Errol Morris' documentary The Thin Blue Line. Most recently Glass has been heard in the Academy Award winning The Hours, the Candyman Duet, the new soundtrack for Dracula (1931), and The Illusionist. Should listeners find these soundtracks appealing, they will also enjoy this superb box of Glass music.

These two box sets represent a mutual fiscal and artistic effort to bring attention to the classical composers that still walk among us. Not all modern classical music is atonal and incomprehensible as is demonstrated here.

Selections: Symphony No. 4 ("Heroes") / The Light (8559325); Symphonies Nos. 2 & 3 (8559202); Violin Concerto / The Company / Prelude from Akhnaten (8559056).

Article Author: C. Michael Bailey

Arkansas son C. Michael Bailey has been in hiding since he revealed his family's abolitionist position prior to the War Between the States. He is a Senior Reviewer for All About Jazz and publisher of the webblog Kultur. Michael’s day job is spent as a clinical data analyst.
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