The typical Philip Glass jokes aside, I'm a big fan of his film work. His distinctive style of repeating passages/phrases never gets repetitive enough for me.
I like (not in descending order of preference):
-The Illusionist (probably his best work)
-The Hours (should have won the Oscar instead of Goldenthal's Frida)
-Cassandra's Dream
-Mishma: A Life in Four Chapters
-Koyaanisqatsi
-Powaqqatsi
-Naqoyqatsi
A discussion on Philip Glass...
Started by Kevin, Feb 22 2011 08:14 PM
37 replies to this topic
#1
Kevin
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Posted 22 February 2011 - 08:14 PM
Revenge is sweet... Revenge is a dish best served cold... Revenge is ice cream!
#2
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Posted 22 February 2011 - 08:21 PM
I only have two of his albums: The Illusionist and a free sampler from Amazon (which I can't recommend more, as it is free). I love most of his music. It is repetitive, but I can take his style in moderate doses. My favorite things he's written include "The Orange Tree," "Etude No 2," and "The Grid."
Recently Purchased CDs:
1. Nightwatch/Killer By Night - Johnny Williams and Quincy Jones 2. Diamond Head/Gone with the Wave - Johnny Williams/Lalo Schifrin 3. Mass - Leonard Bernstein 4. Bernstein with the New York Philharmonic - Leonard Bernstein
1. Nightwatch/Killer By Night - Johnny Williams and Quincy Jones 2. Diamond Head/Gone with the Wave - Johnny Williams/Lalo Schifrin 3. Mass - Leonard Bernstein 4. Bernstein with the New York Philharmonic - Leonard Bernstein
#3
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Posted 22 February 2011 - 08:36 PM
A.........A............A..........Aa..........A............Aa............A.....
It's true. You're my role model, Stefan Cosman.
#4
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Posted 22 February 2011 - 08:39 PM
His film work pales in comparison to his concert work (although having said that Mishima is one of my favourite film scores of all time). Itaipu and Symphonies Nos. 2, 3, 5, 7 and 8 are all rather good.
You can't call yourself a Philip Glass fan until you've endured a live performance of Music in Twelve Parts.
You can't call yourself a Philip Glass fan until you've endured a live performance of Music in Twelve Parts.
#5
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Posted 22 February 2011 - 08:48 PM
I've always LOVED his theme from Candyman. I still play it on a regular basis more than 15 years later.
#7
Kevin
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Posted 22 February 2011 - 08:59 PM
His film work pales in comparison to his concert work (although having said that Mishima is one of my favourite film scores of all time). Itaipu and Symphonies Nos. 2, 3, 5, 7 and 8 are all rather good.
You can't call yourself a Philip Glass fan until you've endured a live performance of Music in Twelve Parts.
You can't call yourself a Philip Glass fan until you've endured a live performance of Einstein on the Beach.
Revenge is sweet... Revenge is a dish best served cold... Revenge is ice cream!
#8
Pasi Tiitinen
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Posted 22 February 2011 - 09:00 PM
Many great moments in his music but in the end it's not that great music for me.
Illusionist is the only film score that works and concert music has its moments but definitely
minimalism isn't very strong brand in the music history.
Illusionist is the only film score that works and concert music has its moments but definitely
minimalism isn't very strong brand in the music history.
#9
Jim Ware
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Posted 22 February 2011 - 09:03 PM
His film work pales in comparison to his concert work (although having said that Mishima is one of my favourite film scores of all time). Itaipu and Symphonies Nos. 2, 3, 5, 7 and 8 are all rather good.
You can't call yourself a Philip Glass fan until you've endured a live performance of Music in Twelve Parts.
You can't call yourself a Philip Glass fan until you've endured a live performance of Einstein on the Beach.
I haven't had the opportunity to do that as yet (although I do have the full conductor's score here) - but next year: http://www.barbican....il.asp?ID=11928
Many great moments in his music but in the end it's not that great music for me.
Illusionist is the only film score that works and concert music has its moments but definitely
minimalism isn't very strong brand in the music history.
'Minimalism' is a meaningless and irrelevant term.
#10
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Posted 22 February 2011 - 09:10 PM
'Minimalism' is a meaningless and irrelevant term.
Just like sugarfree!
It's true. You're my role model, Stefan Cosman.
#11
Koray Savas
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Posted 23 February 2011 - 02:58 AM
Phillip Glass is good bottled. No refills.
In 50 years Herrmann will be forgotten.
#12
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Posted 23 February 2011 - 04:19 AM
Boring
#13
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Posted 23 February 2011 - 05:20 AM
I love Philip Glass, the Koyaanisqatsi trilogy of films is simply fantastic film music.
"Without tradition, art is a flock of sheep without a shepherd. Without innovation, it is a corpse." - Winston Churchill
#14
Alexcremers
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Posted 23 February 2011 - 06:34 AM
Philip Glass is good at making arpeggios but when I listened to his violin concerto (way more traditional in style) I felt that he is not as musically well-read or talented as his colleagues (past or present).
Alex
Alex
Pictures, visual images, are far better to achieve that end than any words, particularly now, when the world has lost all mystery and magic and speech has become mere chatter, empty of meaning - Andrei Tarkovsky
#15
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Posted 23 February 2011 - 07:18 AM
Right, he's not Michael Nyman or John Adams.
But he's good.
But he's good.
"Without tradition, art is a flock of sheep without a shepherd. Without innovation, it is a corpse." - Winston Churchill
#16
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Posted 23 February 2011 - 12:43 PM
I used to like him, but got bored after 4-5 CD of his.
Karol
Karol
From a storytelling point of view, from a directing point of view, there is one thing I associate with what he does, which is calm. There is such an inherent calm and inherent trust of the one powerful image, that he makes me embarrassed with my own work, in terms of how many different shots, how many different sound effects, how many different things we’ll throw at an audience to make an impression. But with Kubrick, there is such a great trust of the one correct image to calmly explain something to audience. There can be some slowness to the editing. There’s nothing frenetic about it. It’s very simple. There’s a trust in simple storytelling and simple image making that actually takes massive confidence to try and emulate.
- Christopher Nolan
#17
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Posted 23 February 2011 - 02:54 PM
I got bored/headaches after 2. Notes On A Scandal was the first score I heard by him, and liked it enough in theaters to buy the score afterwards. After that, it's all the same so there's no need to buy anything else.
In 50 years Herrmann will be forgotten.
#18
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Posted 23 February 2011 - 03:08 PM
While slightly familiar with him I don't have any of his works. I suppose if I had the time I might want to revisit his career, which is quite diverse and much larger that I originally realized.
Unfortunately I mostly have the image of his music that was used on South Park.
Unfortunately I mostly have the image of his music that was used on South Park.
#19
Koray Savas
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Posted 23 February 2011 - 03:15 PM
Unfortunately I mostly have the image of his music that was used on South Park.
Which is pretty accurate.
I'm pretty sure I posted it here before.
In 50 years Herrmann will be forgotten.
#20
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Posted 23 February 2011 - 03:18 PM
I know it's here somewhere.
#21
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Posted 23 February 2011 - 03:25 PM
I bought his free Orange County sampler at Amazon but haven't listened to it yet.
I suggest a full frontal assault with automated laser monkeys, scalpel mines, and acid.
#22
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Posted 23 February 2011 - 07:16 PM
Anyone who wishes to challenge the idea that Philip has not been well-trained should look up his history.
For anyone who knows of her, you do NOT study with Nadia Boulanger if you were an idiot. If you did, you didn't last long.
Check out the documentary Philip Glass in 12 Parts.
I claim myself to be a Philip Glass fan. He has a very clear and unique voice. You may hate it or love it. I initially did not like Philip Glass and avoided him. But, I forced myself to listen to many works from different times in his career.
Don't be afraid to challenge yourself! I'm not saying that any here does not do that on a regular basis. But, moving beyond an initial gut reaction can lead to interesting avenues of thought.
Of course, this is just an opinion. Enjoy what you will!
For anyone who knows of her, you do NOT study with Nadia Boulanger if you were an idiot. If you did, you didn't last long.
Check out the documentary Philip Glass in 12 Parts.
I claim myself to be a Philip Glass fan. He has a very clear and unique voice. You may hate it or love it. I initially did not like Philip Glass and avoided him. But, I forced myself to listen to many works from different times in his career.
Don't be afraid to challenge yourself! I'm not saying that any here does not do that on a regular basis. But, moving beyond an initial gut reaction can lead to interesting avenues of thought.
Of course, this is just an opinion. Enjoy what you will!
Best of Everything,
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Contact: compos24@yahoo.com
#23
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Posted 23 February 2011 - 07:21 PM
Philip Glass is good at making arpeggios but when I listened to his violin concerto (way more traditional in style) I felt that he is not as musically well-read or talented as his colleagues (past or present).
That was one of his first pieces for full orchestra (from 1987). His ability to write for that size of ensemble has developed considerably since then.
#24
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Posted 23 February 2011 - 08:15 PM
Check out the documentary Philip Glass in 12 Parts.
You know, that documentary could have been a lot better than it actually was. A bit shorter than the two hours (half of those 12 parts were entertaining). You get to see his marriage problems.
Revenge is sweet... Revenge is a dish best served cold... Revenge is ice cream!
#25
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Posted 24 February 2011 - 04:42 PM
If there is one album of Glass that I still enjoy that would be Naqoyqatsi. It is a more human version of the other two. Mostly thanks to Yo-Yo Ma.
Karol
Karol
From a storytelling point of view, from a directing point of view, there is one thing I associate with what he does, which is calm. There is such an inherent calm and inherent trust of the one powerful image, that he makes me embarrassed with my own work, in terms of how many different shots, how many different sound effects, how many different things we’ll throw at an audience to make an impression. But with Kubrick, there is such a great trust of the one correct image to calmly explain something to audience. There can be some slowness to the editing. There’s nothing frenetic about it. It’s very simple. There’s a trust in simple storytelling and simple image making that actually takes massive confidence to try and emulate.
- Christopher Nolan
#26
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Posted 24 February 2011 - 05:42 PM
It's interesting that you prefer Naqoyqatsi's score over the first two films. I don't agree with you, but it's sort of refreshing to hear.
I enjoy Koyaanisqatsi the most out of the three films and scores. During an empty day, I've shut the lights off and listened to the music. It has a very meditative quality to me. Nothing sinister going on... just enjoying the music!
Kudos to you for your differing opinion!
I enjoy Koyaanisqatsi the most out of the three films and scores. During an empty day, I've shut the lights off and listened to the music. It has a very meditative quality to me. Nothing sinister going on... just enjoying the music!
Kudos to you for your differing opinion!
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#27
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Posted 24 February 2011 - 05:53 PM
I rate the three Qatsi scores the same.
Revenge is sweet... Revenge is a dish best served cold... Revenge is ice cream!
#28
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Posted 24 February 2011 - 07:33 PM
How can you be good at "making arpeggios"? They're not really made, they just exist. That's like saying he's good at "making a B flat scale."Philip Glass is good at making arpeggios but when I listened to his violin concerto (way more traditional in style) I felt that he is not as musically well-read or talented as his colleagues (past or present).
Alex
Recently Purchased CDs:
1. Nightwatch/Killer By Night - Johnny Williams and Quincy Jones 2. Diamond Head/Gone with the Wave - Johnny Williams/Lalo Schifrin 3. Mass - Leonard Bernstein 4. Bernstein with the New York Philharmonic - Leonard Bernstein
1. Nightwatch/Killer By Night - Johnny Williams and Quincy Jones 2. Diamond Head/Gone with the Wave - Johnny Williams/Lalo Schifrin 3. Mass - Leonard Bernstein 4. Bernstein with the New York Philharmonic - Leonard Bernstein
#29
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Posted 24 February 2011 - 07:39 PM
Revenge is sweet... Revenge is a dish best served cold... Revenge is ice cream!
#30
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Posted 24 February 2011 - 07:41 PM
If there is one album of Glass that I still enjoy that would be Naqoyqatsi. It is a more human version of the other two. Mostly thanks to Yo-Yo Ma.
Karol
His Cello Concerto No.2 will be based on the music of Naqoyqatsi.
#31
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Posted 24 February 2011 - 07:42 PM
Unfortunately I mostly have the image of his music that was used on South Park.
When?
Revenge is sweet... Revenge is a dish best served cold... Revenge is ice cream!
#32
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Posted 24 February 2011 - 08:03 PM
I enjoy Koyaanisqatsi the most out of the three films and scores. During an empty day, I've shut the lights off and listened to the music. It has a very meditative quality to me. Nothing sinister going on... just enjoying the music!
Agreed 100%. Some years ago (2003) I was lucky enough to see Philip Glass and his cohorts perform the music for Koyaanisqatsi live to picture. I was sat in the middle of the very back row and must admit to having had a 'liquid lunch' beforehand; to this day I am still not sure if my half cut state added to or detracted from my enjoyment, but it was certainly a memorable experience.
His mouth is full of bees!
#33
Marian Schedenig
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Posted 24 February 2011 - 10:02 PM
Glass is awesome. Not always, but often.
Blame Nyman.
I couldn't put it above the amazing Koyaanisqatsi (special favourite: Pruit Igoe), but I adore Naqoygatsi. It manages to have a very mathematical and a very human quality at the same time. Powaqqatsi feels more uneven to me, I love the Anthem bits, but the rest doesn't stand out too much.
Special Glass recommendation: Tirol Concerto for piano and orchestra. The gorgeous middle movement has a strong similarity to Truman Sleeps.
'Minimalism' is a meaningless and irrelevant term.
Blame Nyman.
If there is one album of Glass that I still enjoy that would be Naqoyqatsi. It is a more human version of the other two. Mostly thanks to Yo-Yo Ma.
I couldn't put it above the amazing Koyaanisqatsi (special favourite: Pruit Igoe), but I adore Naqoygatsi. It manages to have a very mathematical and a very human quality at the same time. Powaqqatsi feels more uneven to me, I love the Anthem bits, but the rest doesn't stand out too much.
Special Glass recommendation: Tirol Concerto for piano and orchestra. The gorgeous middle movement has a strong similarity to Truman Sleeps.
#34
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Posted 24 February 2011 - 10:50 PM
Special Glass recommendation: Tirol Concerto for piano and orchestra. The gorgeous middle movement has a strong similarity to Truman Sleeps.
YES! Many thumbs up!
I also recommend Piano Concerto No.2 - After Lewis and Clark, which is certainly a digital workout for any pianist.
Is there any love for Glass operas here?
#35
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Posted 25 February 2011 - 03:12 AM
I used to like him, but got bored after 4-5 CD of his.
Karol
something like that
#36
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Posted 25 February 2011 - 03:40 AM
Apparently Mr Glass was infiltrating my mind at an early age.
#37
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Posted 25 February 2011 - 03:52 AM
I prefer this:
#38
Koray Savas
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Posted 25 February 2011 - 04:11 PM
Unfortunately I mostly have the image of his music that was used on South Park.
When?
http://www.synthtopia.com/content/2008/06/22/philip-glass-on-south-park/
In 50 years Herrmann will be forgotten.
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