Glass Houses – Throwing Stones

Posted on September 13th, 2008 and filed in Glass Houses - Throwing Stones, Glass, Phillip

I’m going to throw a couple of stones.

A friend recently returned a CD favour after I’d given him one of my “favourites.”

His offering had a preponderence of Glass pieces.

Phillip Glass is lauded and beloved by many. But where did his inspiration come from? Has he acknowledged ‘The Greats” who have influenced him? I’m not sure. I wasn’t willing to GoogleForever to find out.

He’s loved by millions for his Popular themes, including those used in Blockbuster movies and such. BUT – is there substance there? When he decides to “sock it to us”; Do we feel the real guts of a Tchaikovsky melody? The emotional intensity of Chopin/ Liszt/ Rachmaninoff? Or the  hypnotic magic of an Eric Satie number? (*Whatever! … it is irresistable stuff isn’t it?*)

You – Beloved Listener – decide!

From Wikipedia:

Many describe his music in the minimalist vein as mesmerizing; others hear it as numbingly repetitive and devoid of variety in its simplicity. The latter view of his style is itself simplistic and fails to take into account the many subtleties and complexities found in his methods. Glass’ mature style embraces more to take into account the many subtleties and complexities found in his methods. Glass’ mature style embraces more than just minimalism and thus must be viewed being more eclectic and far less dogmatic.

Wish I would see you again
http://jimsclassicalmusic.com/wp-content/uploads/sean-cd-track-07.mp3Right Click to Download

Island
http://jimsclassicalmusic.com/wp-content/uploads/sean-cd-track-05.mp3Right Click to Download

Truman Sleeps
http://jimsclassicalmusic.com/wp-content/uploads/sean-cd-track-17.mp3Right Click to Download

Candyman
http://jimsclassicalmusic.com/wp-content/uploads/sean-cd-track-01.mp3Right Click to Download

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