Philip Glass

[Bryn]

Continuing my trawl through Dutch Radio's archives:

http://concerthuis.radio4.nl/concert/2789/Holland_Festival_2007_Philip_Glass__Music_in_12_Parts

It is at least split into four more-or-less digestible (or maybe that should be indegistible) chunks

Trouble is, it's not HIPP enough for my taste. Those are not Farfisas.

[Padraig]

I took the Ross quote out of context (as did Macleod). Here it can be read in context: http://www.newyorker.com/arts/critic...rmu_music_ross I believe he merely highlights one potential pitfall when encountering Glass's music, which clearly puts people off.

Thank you for that Thropplenoggin.
I guess I'm one of those who nod in recognition rather than irritation. The bits of glass that I own don't include the operas, but rather pieces like the String Quartets, the concerto for saxophone quartet, and Music in Twelve Parts. I heard some pieces during the week that might appeal to me, except I'm not buying any more music.

[MrGongGong]

Trouble is, it's not HIPP enough for my taste. Those are not Farfisas.

[richardfinegold]

This falls in the idle gossip department--
I had a Patient a few years ago that claimed to be related to Glass. Reportedly he had severe financial problems stemming from a Divorce and was feeling great pressure to produce more paying music to meet his obligations.

[Richard Barrett]

he had severe financial problems stemming from a Divorce and was feeling great pressure to produce more paying music to meet his obligations.

But very many composers have severe financial problems at some if not all stages of their life (believe me) - if that's supposed to be an excuse for the music he's been writing for the last thirty years it's a bit lame...

[kea]

I am afraid I do not hear anything of interest whatsoever in Glass's early works, let alone his recent ones. Much of it sounds like average 70s art rock, just without the rock. Or the art. Maybe that's part of the appeal, I don't know.

I do think his music works well as a backdrop for things though. Film, ballet, etc. (Not intended as a backhanded compliment—writing such backdrops is not easy and requires a completely different skill set from writing concert music)

[MrGongGong]

But very many composers have severe financial problems at some if not all stages of their life (believe me) - if that's supposed to be an excuse for the music he's been writing for the last thirty years it's a bit lame...

Indeed

Does that mean we should avoid all music written at this time of year when most of the self employed musicians I know are struggling to sort their tax ?

[ahinton]

But very many composers have severe financial problems at some if not all stages of their life (believe me)

You don't say! Really? Well, I'd never have guessed! Must read me MCPS/PRS satements more carefully...

if that's supposed to be an excuse for the music he's been writing for the last thirty years it's a bit lame...

Quite.

[MrGongGong]

You don't say! Really? Well, I'd never have guessed! Must read me MCPS/PRS satements more carefully...

I remember having a "whip round" to buy a train ticket for a well known composer who was off to do a month residency at IRCAM complete with commission etc

PRS statements so that's £0.50 then

[ahinton]

I remember having a "whip round" to buy a train ticket for a well known composer who was off to do a month residency at IRCAM complete with commission etc

PRS statements so that's £0.50 then

Blimey! You're doing well!

[Radio64]

I admit I have only ever given the time of day to "Glassworks", Heroes Symphony (with Eno & Bowie) and the soundtrack to the Woody Allen film "Cassandra's Dream".

[ahinton]

I admit I have only ever given the time of day to "Glassworks", Heroes Symphony (with Eno & Bowie) and the soundtrack to the Woody Allen film "Cassandra's Dream".

I have to admit that, had I done that, I'd have wanted the time of day back.

Not for nothing does a musicologist colleague of mine refer to this person as Philippe de Vitry...

[Radio64]

I have to admit that, had I done that, I'd have wanted the time of day back.

Not for nothing does a musicologist colleague of mine refer to this person as Philippe de Vitry...

Ha ha! Nice one.

[Richard Barrett]

What's supposed to be clever about calling him Philippe de Vitry?

[ahinton]

What's supposed to be clever about calling him Philippe de Vitry?

Did anyone claim that it's "clever"?