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| Glass: Violin concerto | 
 enlarge | Creators: Philip Glass, Takuo Yuasa, Ulster Orchestra, Adele Anthony
Label: Naxos American
Category: Music
List Price: $8.99
Buy New: $4.90
You Save: $4.09 (45%)
Buy New/Used from $2.95
Avg. Customer Rating:  (22 reviews)
Sales Rank: 4649
Media: Audio CD
Discs: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.3
Dimensions (in): 5.6 x 4.6 x 0.4
MPN: 559056
UPC: 636943905623
EAN: 0636943905623
ASIN: B00004SYG9
Release Date: May 16, 2000
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Customer Reviews:
 Minimalist music with surprising musical content September 13, 2005
10 out of 11 found this review helpful
I've played plenty of modern music, some of it in front of audiences in Canadian and American cities. So maybe it won't mean much when I say I kind of like the Glass violin concerto, which is indeed minimalist music. But I recommend this work, which reminds me somewhat of Sibelius.
Now, which artist is best on violin? Gidon Kremer or Adele Anthony? Obviously, this recording has Anthony on violin, and I think she does a fine job. I'd choose which recording to get depending on how much I liked the pieces that accompany the violin concerto. I think they are both good choices.
 full orchestral treatment of major works August 12, 2005
8 out of 9 found this review helpful
This is one of those items that I feel hasn't gotten a really on-target review. I'm not sure a CD by one composer is the place to discuss the merits of his whole genre of music. Admittedly I write from a perspective of a fan of minimalism and of Philip Glass. And for someone knowledgable of the field and of Glass's output, this CD has strong appeal.
First, the Naxos price is a bargain. They're really serving a role in making challenging, sometimes rarely heard music available to a classical audience that doesn't have to be also an elite or wealthy one. Each of their composer-centered CDs seems carefully considered in order to provide both strong performances and well-chosen material as an introduction to the entire oeuvre of that master.
In particular, this CD shows a few sides of Glass, in the lush and comfortable setting of full orchestral performances (quite different from his chamber, solo piano, self-played or even soundtrack work). The two pieces from his opera Akhnaten that close out the disc offer wonderfully evocative melodies. Once meant to be sung or performed with bright visuals and actors, these arrangements focus only on the strength of his melodies and harmonies, with a full pallette of color and emotions in what must be read as his homage to an ancient and tragically odd, lost kingdom. There's a stately spirituality in this music that well evokes pyramids, desert sand and the rays of the sun god.
"Company" consists of busy short pieces typical of Glass's 80s work, and the Violin Concerto is his first major concert-hall work, not commissioned in support of any other project or medium. It provides a memorable showcase for violinist Adele Anthony.
However, I do have some quibbles, as one often does with Naxos cds. The recording levels are low, and there's not a lot of distinction between instruments in the mix. I'm all for a more aggressive, rock-style approach to both the playing and recording of classical music, and the Naxos label is frequently too timid on this front.
I feel kind of torn on this one... March 28, 2005
2 out of 4 found this review helpful
I agree with some other reviews about this disc. True, the pieces here don't really go anywhere. And yes, they REALLY are repetitive. I have a couple of other Glass recordings and indeed they do all kind of sound the same. But does that make it not worth checking out? A lot of other great artists works all sound pretty similar. But then, I have only listened to this disc once, and it was on a one hour or so drive on a highway with few other cars, so it kind of worked in the moment.
Perfect Intro to Glass May 15, 2004
14 out of 15 found this review helpful
This is the perfect CD for people who are curious about Glass but don't want to spend $20 on a CD they may wind up hating. For $6.99 this is a killer deal. Bear in mind that many of the people who have given this CD a poor review are already familiar with Glass' work. We'll assume that the reader is not. These pieces are interesting,beautifully played,and do provide an excellent introduction to Glass' work.If you've always wondered whether or not Glass is your thing, or even if you've never heard of the guy, how can you go wrong for $7? I say slap down your money and give him a chance. I've played this as often as I've played any of his symphonies and soundtracks.Go for it!
Most "accessible" Glass April 11, 2004
3 out of 4 found this review helpful
One could say this concerto may be the Glass piece most closely related to traditional music and therefore more accessible to those who don't care for "new" music. I am a glass fan and found it to be wonderfully flowing and enjoyed the violin versus his many synthesized music pieces. Top notch. Up there with "The Hours," another favorite. Cant' beat the price either.
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