Philip Glass : Etudes For Piano, Vol.1, No.1-10
Product Details
Editorial Reviews
Album Description
Philip Glass’ wildly popular solo piano performances inspired the recording of "Etudes for Piano, Vol. I, nos. 1-10". Orange Mountain Music is proud to present the premiere recordings of these compositions. Mr. Glass states in the album’s liner notes: "The Etudes began for me in the mid-90s and I am still adding new music to this collection as I write these notes in 2003. Their purpose was two-fold. First, to provide new music for my solo piano concerts. And second, for me to expand my piano technique with music that would enhance and challenge my playing. Hence, the name Etudes, or "studies". The result is a body of work that has a broad range of dynamic, tempo and emotion. I hope to complete the second set of ten etudes, of which the first six are already composed, in the next few years."
This is Orange Mountain Music’s seventh release of Philip Glass’ material and the first to contain all new recordings.
Customer Reviews
absolutely gorgeous
In about 2000, I attended a Philip Glass performance of his Etudes. They are relatively simple compared with much of his other work, just solo piano, but more than anything else, they have more of a melodic line. It was a treat to actually see him perform these studies, and I have never grown tired of hearing them on CD. I believe he mentioned that he was almost finished writing another ten etudes but I haven't heard about them. He wrote the first ten for himself, so that he could have something to play he himself toured. This might sound like an un-Philip Glass comment to make, but they very much reminded me of Beethoven! Anything but 5 stars means you haven't listened to them!
Oddly charming thanks to less than perfect playing
The other reviews here that criticize Glass's performances of the études are right in their collective assertion that the playing is somewhat sloppy and riddled with minor technical mistakes, but its these that, I feel, make it an incredibly charming work to listen to.
These performances are an oddly charming depiction of the humanity and soul that Glass provides his music. These qualities are often hard to pick up in his work, but these raw performances exaggerate them and make his love for the music palpable at last. As the composer, Glass is free to perform these pieces as he likes and what he lacks in technical prowess is made up for by these truly engaging performances.
Etude #3 is a good demonstration of this where a rehash of a previously somber theme (which recalls Interlude from Orphee (Act II Scene 5) somewhat) turns into an exciting carousel piece due to the syncopated nature of Glass's performance.
There is an incredible warmth to this album. The sound is good, Glass plays with an imperfect passion, and it makes for excellent music to ponder or work to.
C to C
I purchased this music, along with "Portraits-Bruce Levingston", for two reasons: 1. I like the music of Glass; 2. I recently saw (several times) the American Ballet Theatre's production of "Close to Chuck". The music for the ballet includes Études 2, 9 & 10 from "Études for Piano, Vol.1" and two pieces composed and dedicated to Chuck Close. The latter two pieces are included on the CD "Portraits - Bruce Levingston Piano". The ballet was haunting and beautifully danced by ABT. But what made it so exceptional - so memorable - for me, was the music. How the music and the choreography entwined was magic. As soon as I got home I hopped on to Amazon and ordered the two CD's. I think I have played them everyday since they were received. OK, I am obsessive. I love the music of Philip Glass. Glass plays beautifully. All ten études (studies) are entrancing. thoughtful and compelling.
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