GLASS, P: Symphonies Nos 2 and 3

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Total Tracks: 7   Total Length: 67:05

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Anastasia Tsioulcas

eMusic Contributor

04.22.11
Ralph Vaughan Williams, GLASS, P: Symphonies Nos 2 and 3
Label: Naxos

Listeners more familiar with Philip Glass 'copious output of music for small-scale ensembles playing a seemingly infinite string of arpeggios may well be taken aback by 1994's Second Symphony and the Symphony No. 3 from 1995 — two pieces that belie Glass 'decades-hardened "minimalist" label. Aided by expansive, tonally rich and yet precise playing from the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, conductor Marin Alsop attentively details these pieces 'nuanced shifts in color and character.

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moving

swartz

3rd symphony III movement is a stand-alone masterpiece, melodic, melancholy, sweet. The first two movements are darker, and maybe even a little boring. The fourth movement sounds as if it comes from a different symphony altogether - and ends inconclusively, rather than rounding out the musical statements of the symphony. Interesting work! Romantic, not minimalist. It is especially lovely as a "prelude" to Glass's fabulous 4th symphony. Symphony No.2 is not anywhere near as good. Especially the third movement, which is busy, disjointed, and alternately soft and pointlessly loud. Get that one only if you must have every single note Philip Glass ever recorded.

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try IV

smwoltjer

I heard the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra perform IV and it is thrilling - give it a listen.

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Excellent Symphonies

cellistcellist

This music is very exciting to listen to, as well as great art. Among the greatest modern symphonies one can find on emusic.

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