Dance #1-5

Richard Peck (Performer), Philip Glass (Composer), Michael Riesman (Conductor, Performer), Jack Kripl (Performer), Jon Gibson (Performer), Philip Glass Ensemble (Orchestra), Michael Reisman (Performer), Philip Glass (Performer), Iris Hiskey (Performer)

Product Details

• Performer: Richard Peck, Michael Riesman, Jack Kripl, Jon Gibson, Michael Reisman, et al.
• Orchestra: Philip Glass Ensemble
• Conductor: Michael Riesman
• Composer: Philip Glass
• Audio CD (October 25, 1990)
• SPARS Code: ADD
• Number of Discs: 2
• Label: Sony
• ASIN: B0000026OX
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #117,341 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Possibly Philip Glass's Greatest Work!!, May 21, 2004

By	Louie Bourland (Garden Grove CA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

"Dance" is an extraordinary epic composition from one of the most revolutionary composers of the late 20th century to the present, Philip Glass. From the mid 1960's onwards, Glass has revolutionized a form of composition that has become known as 'minimalism' (although Glass himself denies being a composer of minimal music). Several of Glass's works have gone on to be standards of modern Classical music.
One such piece is "Dance". Comprised of five parts or movements, this 110-minute long piece is based around short repeated arppegios with slight changes and variations when played each time. The First, Third and Fifth movements were performed by members of Philip Glass's own ensemble consisting of various keyboards, wind instruments (notably saxophones and flutes) and female voice. The voice does not sing lyrics per se but uses syllables (do-re-mi) to complement the fast-paced rhythmic excursions.
The second and fourth movements are for solo organ. Movement 2 is performed on a small electronic organ and runs through a series of arrpeggiated variations with a slight hint of drone. The fourth movement was performed on a large pipe organ and has an overall majestic glorious sound.
Overall, "Dance No.1-5" is possibly Philip Glass's greatest musical acheivement. Glass has composed so many rich compositions, it is difficult to determine what the absolute best is. With "Dance" however, I think it comes pretty close to being what it is..the best.

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must have....., September 10, 2001

By	Brett Stewart "Catison" (Madison, WI United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This album is somewhere between Einstein on the Beach and Glassworks, both chronologically, and artistically. It features the relentlously spinning arpeggios of Einstein, and the more easily digestable charm of Glassworks.

In Dances, Philip Glass creates a sound world all to its own, and incapulates you in it. You get lost and then suddenly realize that you like being lost within the chords. When each dance finally ends, you are left wanting more. This feeling is impossible to describe, but Glass fans find nothing more satisfying that going into this world. If you get this feeling when you listen to Glass then you are seriously missing out if you do not have this recording, and for anyone who wants to experiement with Glass, this is a great place to start. If you are unsure, get Glassworks, and then get this cd. Either way, GET THIS CD.

Once you find yourself loving this music, you will never turn back. Take that as a beacon and a warning. I have had this cd on since I got it in the mail today, and I have no idea when it is going off.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Glass' forgotten gem, August 17, 2007

By	Mark C. Puttre - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

For those of you looking to expand your Glass collection, Dance 1-5 seems to stand out as one you're likely to enjoy and that you probably don't have. The piece is nestled chronologically between Einstein and Koyanisqatsi. So if you like either of those works, your bound to enjoy Dance 1-5.

Somehow this work gets totally lost in the Glass anthology and I'm not sure why. My guess is that since it's sandwiched between the most famous music theater piece of the second half of the 20th century and one end, and one of the most seminal films on the other, people just somehow miss it. Also, since "Dance 1-5" is never performed as a theatre piece, audiences don't have much of a chance to see the work in its original context.

No matter, the music stands on its own as sunny, invigorating and joyful. In particular, Dance #5 maybe the closest composition to "The Grid" from Koyanisqatsi that Glass ever wrote.

Of further interest, Dance #4 has been recorded quite successfully using a real organ as opposed to an electric one. My understanding is that Glass himself performed this piece at St. John the Divine in NYC in honor of a visit there by the Dalai Lama. I wasn't there, but it stirs the imagination to guess what this terrific track must have sounded like on a full organ in that gigantic venue.