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15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Mesmerizing Symphony & Lighthearted Concerto, February 10, 2001
This review is from: Philip Glass: Symphony No. 2 (Audio CD)
Symphony No. 2 is one of those works that you might not like on the first hearing; there is a dissonant atonal quality that persists throughout the work. However, by the second or third playing, you will be completely mesmerized by this music. It is easily one of his greatest works. The first and second movements are absolutely stunning! The third movement has much more complex rhythms but is equally beautiful in its own way. The Saxophone Concerto is a lighthearted work, and quite different in mood from the symphony. These two works are best listened to separately, otherwise you may not appreciate the lighter tone of this concerto. This music is reminiscent of that excellent CD of Stravinsky's lighter music called "Shadow Dances". If you like Shadow Dances, you will like this concerto. The only flaw on this otherwise perfect album is to be found on the album's liner notes: the short interlude sandwiched in the middle between the symphony and the concerto is too short! The album notes say it is 6'30" long, however is only 2'30".
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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Glass more than half full, June 30, 2000
By A Customer
This review is from: Philip Glass: Symphony No. 2 (Audio CD)
It was difficult for me not to give this CD 5 stars. It does not quite measure up to my favorite Phillip Glass compositions, but nevertheless I listen to Symphony No 2 often. There are three works on this recording; Symphony No. 2, Interlude from Orphee, and Concerto for Saxophone Quartet and Orchestra. It is the namesake Symphony which is the jewel of this collection. It is typical of Glass' best work. A simple theme is repeated, varied, and experimented with. The result is hauntingly powerful. The theme's beauty holds the piece together. The other pieces are not as good, but still enjoyable listening. If like I, you are a Glass fan, you will like this CD. If you are considering which Phillip Glass composition might be a good introduction, I would recommend his soundtrack to the movie "Kundun" or the "Heroes Symphony."
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10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A beautiful concerto by a great composer, September 3, 1999
By A Customer
This review is from: Philip Glass: Symphony No. 2 (Audio CD)
Philip Glass has written all of his five symphonies in the nineties, and they are beautiful symphonic masterpieces (his latest was premiered in summer 1999). His Symphony No.2 (1994) has a wonderful moving, melancholic middle movement and an upbeat finale. But I think the Saxophone Quartet Concerto(1995) is even better; its first movement sounds rather gothic (very Edgar Allen Poe), the second is very jazzy. The third is one of the most tranquil slow movements I've ever heard (a rainy night in Manhattan?). The last is very fast, light and upbeat. Phil Glass beautifully blended elements from (french? - I think there is some Satie, Ravel and Poulenc in it) classical music, jazz and rock in that piece, but its pure Glass. It's great.
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