Glass: Einstein on the Beach (1993 Recording) [Box set]

Robert Wilson (Artist), Philip Glass (Composer), Michael Riesman (Conductor), The Philip Glass Ensemble (Orchestra) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Orchestra: The Philip Glass Ensemble
• Conductor: Michael Riesman
• Composer: Philip Glass
• Audio CD (January 17, 2012)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 3
• Format: Box set
• Note on Boxed Sets: During shipping, discs in boxed sets occasionally become dislodged without damage. Please examine and play these discs. If you are not completely satisfied, we'll refund or replace your purchase.
• Label: Nonesuch
• ASIN: B000005J28
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Music
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (38 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #44,104 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #8 in Music > Classical > Historical Periods > Modern, 20th, & 21st Century > Composers > Glass, Philip
  • #36 in Music > Dance & DJ > Techno > Minimal Techno
  • #44 in Music > Classical > Opera & Vocal > Languages > English

Track Listings

Disc: 1

1. Einstein On The Beach: Knee 1

2. Einstein On The Beach: Train 1

3. Einstein On The Beach: Trial 1: Entrance

4. Einstein On The Beach: Trial 1: 'Mr. Bojangles'

5. Einstein On The Beach: Trial 1: 'All Men Are Equal'

6. Einstein On The Beach: Knee 2

Disc: 2

1. Einstein On The Beach: Dance 1

2. Einstein On The Beach: Night Train

3. Einstein On The Beach: Knee 3

4. Einstein On The Beach: Trial 2 - Prison: 'Prematurely Air-Conditioned Supermarket'

5. Einstein On The Beach: Trial 2 - Prison: Ensemble

6. Einstein On The Beach: Trial 2 - Prison: 'I Feel The Earth Move'

Disc: 3

1. Einstein On The Beach: Dance 2

2. Einstein On The Beach: Knee 4

3. Einstein On The Beach: Building

4. Einstein On The Beach: Bed: Cadenza

5. Einstein On The Beach: Bed: Prelude

6. Einstein On The Beach: Bed: Aria

See all 8 tracks on this disc

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Although Einstein on the Beach is by definition an opera, Philip Glass's most famous work also transcends traditional music categories. Glass avoided all vestiges of plot in the piece and dug deep into his quiver of repetitions to create an artfully unnerving five hours of brilliance. The instrumental ensemble never exceeds five members, playing electric keyboards, saxophones, flutes, and a single violin. Furthermore, the music congregates around the upper registers, often darting through its loops at seemingly incredible paces. The chorus bears huge chops, creating a dense, if silkenly staccato, series of juts, and a powerful array of higher-register annunciations that ring with the aural power of leaping, blurring filaments. This 1993 version of Einstein truly supersedes its predecessors, stretching to around 190 minutes over three CDs. There is a strong current of postmodern collage throughout the piece, with rafts of pop culture references. But Einstein, after all, is indeed based loosely on Albert Einstein and ends with booming allusions to nuclear annihilation and mathematics. --Andrew Bartlett

Product Description

3CD W/Robert Wilson // 116 Page Booklet In 8-Panel Softpack

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

82 of 84 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars the superior Einstein recording April 2, 2002

By new music guy

Format:Audio CD

Presumably, if you're reading this, you're shopping for one of the two Einstein on the Beach recordings and trying to pick between the two. This is a VASTLY superior disc. The improvement in synthesizer capabilities in the decades between the earlier recording and this one are notable from the beginning of Disc 1, Track 1. The organs here as a result have a warmer, fuller sound. Recording technology also improved, and the overall result is better tone, better clarity. Fulkerson's violin playing is more soulful than Zukovsky's, and his huge sound is far more appropriate in much of the passagework. There is far greater accuracy and superior tone and clarity throughout in the other instruments as well, in particular the piccolos, and the choir here is simply better. Finally, the price tag is somewhat less discouraging.

If you like Einstein on the Beach, absolutely get this recording. If you are curious about Philip Glass and want a representative sample of his best music, absolutely get this recording.

76 of 79 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars One, Two, Three . . . July 10, 2000

By Richard Morgan

Format:Audio CD

Einstein on the Beach is hardcore Philip Glass with its frenzied (and repetitive) pace, nonsensical poems, and exhaustive length. While this opera helped propel his fame, I would not recommend diving into it if you are looking for an introduction to what Philip Glass writes. Personally, I discovered and grew to love this music through the compilation CD, Songs from the Trilogy. It is cheaper than any recording of these three operas and lets you hear the best of what they have to offer. Of the three, I think Einstein on the Beach is the most difficult to appreciate and even after purchasing, it sat on my shelf. Yet, over time, I begin to hear more than the "One, two, three" and violins sawing away: there's a delicate sound beneath it all. Akhnaten and Satyagraha have this quality as well, but it's easier to hear at first listening. So if you're a casual Philip Glass listener, be prepared to not like Einstein at first because it is so much different than his more recent releases.

For die-hard Glass fans, this recording is the longer (and cheaper) of the two available. If you enjoy his Music in Twelve Parts and other earlier works, this opera is a real treat. Since Einstein is such a monumental piece in the Glass library, it's a must buy. But if you're looking for something less hardcore, try Songs from the Trilogy. I gave five stars because when compared to other music, it's still awe-inspiring, but when compared to other Philip Glass music, especially the other two operas, it rates three stars.

45 of 47 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Original 1976 recording reissued August 6, 2006

By cardboardmusicbox

Format:Audio CD

This is a budget-priced reissue of the original CBS Records Masterworks release, which contains the original booklet with libretto and copious liner notes. The only differences are the cover artwork and price. Definitely a complete and utter steal! If you're at all curious about Einstein on the Beach, this is a must purchase.

4-CD set packaged in jewel case with slip cover.