Philip Glass : Etudes For Piano, Vol.1, No.1-10 [Import]

Philip Glass (Artist), piano (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (September 9, 2003)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Orange Mountain Music
• ASIN: B00009YWAL
• Also Available in: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,810 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #2 in Music > Indie Music > Classical
  • #3 in Music > Indie Music > Alternative Rock > General
  • #4 in Music > Classical > Forms & Genres > Etudes

Editorial Reviews

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

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Oddly charming thanks to less than perfect playing, August 4, 2008

By 

Peter Cooper (Louth, UK) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Philip Glass : Etudes For Piano, Vol.1, No.1-10 (Audio CD)

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.

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You can hear him listening, April 29, 2005

By 

Vince Leo (minneapolis, mn USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Philip Glass : Etudes For Piano, Vol.1, No.1-10 (Audio CD)

Philip Glass wrote Etudes to take on the road, and in the process stripped everything from minimalism but two hands and a piano. Enriched by this most basic constraint, each etude reveals a musical presence that is both austere and melodic, obsessivley structured and surpisingly open ended. Glass wears his influences on his sleve, but something tells me Chopin isn't complaining. Without hype or flash, Glass continues to push the definition of the cultural moment; reminding us that the essential tool of music is not technology or style but an ability to listen and to imagine a listener unike any other. Etudes is quiet, but approach carefully and you can hear Philip Glass listening.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars absolutely gorgeous, January 11, 2009

By 

Howard Schulman (Providence, RI) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Philip Glass : Etudes For Piano, Vol.1, No.1-10 (Audio CD)

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!