Customer Reviews

Philip Glass: Glass Reflections

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This is the most exciting and emotional interpretation of these pieces I've ever heard. Arguably better than those done by the ensemble. In too many recordings of his works you hear the musicians counting, not feeling.

Last night I saw the premiere of Appomattox here in SF. An amazing piece, but for sure not a toe-tapper. It was Beauty & the Beast meets hits-you-over-the-head call-to-action for an end to violence & tribalism. I think Philip has a message and he's tired of being subtle. But for me, it was preaching to the choir. Still, given the reality of the times and the venue, he hit it spot on.

Moving & comtemplative, it left me scared & hungry for the Philip that makes my emotions soar. And it was in this album (OK, yes, and Satyagraha - ISNT IT TIME FOR NEW RECORDING????? The SF Opera in 89 oh my god compared to Stuttgart) that I sought solace. This is not your standard Glass "cover album". These people love, feel, and understand the man and his music. It's only equal? Solo piano, played by Philip himself.

I meet so many intellectuals that are stimulated by his music, but I'm concerned that people don't know the man of compassion he is. Philip Glass has a great heart. Can you listen to the theme from Secret Agent, or the last Knee Play from E.O.T.B. and not cry? I can't. Count the number of stars in the sky...

We are dreaming awake. If Buddha wrote music, this would be it. And Conjunto Iberica GETS IT.

You won't regret getting this album. It's Philip Glass from the heart, not the brain.

I was fortunate enough to have the chance to see a performance of Conjunto Iberico, and immediately fell under the spell of this unique group and its conductor. While this live performance included only parts of the group's Philip Glass repertoire, those parts were mesmerizing. Consequently, I bought this CD and have been listening to it constantly. The Symphony for Eight is especially fascinating. I am admittedly no music expert, but there is something about the way that this cello octet performs that simply grabs you and commands your attention. The more that I listen to this CD, the more I appreciate the complexity of Philip Glass' music.

The cello is a great instrument for Glass compositions, and this proves that. I think the recording here of Facades is the best ever, better than the ensemble and better then the solo piano version on the Hours soundtrack. This song was meant for cello, and its worth the price of the cd alone!!

Filled with complex, undulating countermelodies, this work delicately colours the auditory cortex with shades from the darker side of human emotion. Sufficiently subtle to provide a backdrop for doing the ironing, yet poignant enough to listen to on its own. If you try to enjoy classical music, but never seem to get into it (or if you consider John Williams and Danny Elfman your favourite classical composers), then this work will convert you.