Music in the Shape of a Square

Philip Glass (Composer), Alter Ego Ensemble (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Alter Ego Ensemble
• Composer: Philip Glass
• Audio CD (June 4, 2002)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Stradivarius
• ASIN: B000066TX0
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #674,565 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Music in Similar Motion, for ensemble (or orchestra)

2. Strung Out, for amplified violin

3. Piece in the Shape of a Square, for 2 flutes

4. Gradus, for soprano saxophone

5. Music in Contrary Motion, for organ

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A concert recreated, September 26, 2002

By 

"gloselle" (Southgate, MI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Music in the Shape of a Square (Audio CD)

This disc recreates an early recital concert of Philip Glass' music. The performances and recording are very good, and the whole experience is worthwhile.

Those new to Glass and his peculiar esthetic are encouraged to look at one of his more broadly appealing collections, however: this is a disc for fans.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars I have mixed feelings!, January 13, 2003

By 

Kevin Currie-Knight "Education Grad Student" (Newark, Delaware) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Music in the Shape of a Square (Audio CD)

I'm a huge fan of Philip Glass's early works (up to and including Einstein) so when this CD came out, I just about popped my top! After listening to it a few times, I can give it 3 stars.

Hard core Glass fans will recognize the first and last piece as both are on the Nonesuch recording entitled "Two Pages". Here they are rescored and extremely well played for the Alter Ego Ensemble. I've always liked "Music in Similar Motion but found the Nonesuch recording to be a bit weak (and the lower saxes out of tune?!). This recording is much better. Same with "Contrary Motion" which as anyone who's heard it knows is oh-so difficult to play. The ensemble is flawless and stayed true to what I'm sure Glass had in mind.

"Piece in the shape of a square" was alright but this piece is extremely sparse. It takes a few listenings to get used to. "Gradus" and "Strung out" are extremely difficult to handle (and this, coming from someone who listens to "Music with changing parts" every few weeks). Essentially, they are bass clarinet and violin, respectively, playing single notes in a scale in bizarre rythmic and melodic variations. Those who like "Two Pages" and the early works will be used to hearing some additive system. There's none here.

But for the outside tracks and "Piece in the shape of a square", well worth it!! Maybe I'll just have to listen to the other two before I appreciate them.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Weak Glass still cuts, December 17, 2008

By 

IRate - See all my reviews

This review is from: Music in the Shape of a Square (Audio CD)

It is obvious that this is not for initiates. The majority of stark repetitions here represent the composer at his most unflatteringly primitive, save for one, possibly two tracks. Even so, if one approaches with openness and perspective, even this glorified demo disc contains much hypnotic pocketing sandwiched between unfortunate minimalist excess.