Philip Glass : Orion
May 2nd, 2010 by admin

Album Description
Orion is a live recording of the ninety-minute work commissioned by Arts, Dance, and Music Productions which premiered in Athens on June 3, 2004 (with The Philip Glass Ensemble) as part of the Cultural Olympiad in Greece. The recording features Eleftheria Arvanitaki vocalist, Mark Atkins on didjerido, Wu Man on pipa, Gaurav Mazumdar performing a sitar work by Ravi Shakar, Ashley MacIsaac on fiddle, Foday Musa Suso on kora, and the Brazilian ensemble Uakti. The Ameri... More >>

Philip Glass : Orion

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5 Responses  
  • Strom T. Johnston writes:
    May 2nd, 201011:43 pmat

    All tracks on this cd are great but just wait ’till you hear ” Brazil” . fantastic!!
    Rating: 5 / 5

  • IRate writes:
    May 3rd, 20102:10 amat

    With the first track I was already starting to get upset with Glass simply dealing in patented mechanics as he can do, putting didgeridoo on a construction which I believe sounded quite familiar (maelstrom?). Familiar construction is no stranger to Glass’s approach, who can be as widely praised for diversity as he is criticized for simplicity. Thankfully the artist is able to utilize this multi-cultured theme in a way which actually widens, rather than confines. The result is something one can recommend outside his normal demographics of studied nuance, something a little more human, heartfelt, and connective.
    Rating: 4 / 5

  • sixtytwo writes:
    May 3rd, 20104:24 amat

    This two-discs set brings you all over the world. It gives you a taste of different cultures and also the feeling that we all are the same, on the small grain os sand that Earth is, as it appears from the sky.
    Rating: 5 / 5

  • Patrick J. Whelan writes:
    May 3rd, 20105:41 amat

    While I enjoy the work of many contemporary composers, Philip Glass is the only one I can think of who has yet to disappoint me. I have been entranced by every piece of his work that I have purchased and this one is no exception. It is not the technique that enchants as much as the soul and creative energy that emanates from each selection. There are other minimalist composers, but none that I have heard who can imbue their music with the sweeping, mesmerizing, heart embracing touch that is the hallmark of Glass’s music. Orion is a feast for the mind and the spirit.
    Rating: 5 / 5

  • K. Beach writes:
    May 3rd, 20106:18 amat

    For many, the music of Philip Glass is an acquired taste. It often takes one awhile to get the hang of the subtle variations within virtually endless repetitions of what…in comparison to more well known classical music…seems to be a few limited themes. But if one sticks with it long enough, one will begin to discover the emotional alchemy at work in these pieces. That’s when the genius of it is revealed. The trick, of course, is to stick with it long enough.

    “Orion” is Glass’ exploration and extrapolation of musical phrases that are more or less based upon traditional music of the places he names (e.g. India). Repetition is downplayed in this work and it surges playfully forward from movement to movement, thanks in part to shorter “bridge pieces” that link the longer thematic ones.

    If one has wondered about Glass’ music, “Orion” is a splendid entry point…perhaps followed by “Passages” (with Ravi Shankar). The only decision that remains is which format to purchase.

    As an unabashed audiophile, I normally purchase CDs (or SACDs when available). For a variety of reasons, I purchased the MP3 download of “Orion”. It was RIPed with a variable bit rate algorithm and seems to tach out between 192 and 256 KBPS with a few spurts to 320 KBPS. As such, it exhibits minimally competent fidelity compared to a middle-of-the-road CD. On the other hand, it was delivered instantly and sounds good enough that I continue to listen to it through isolation headphones while working. If I was going to listen to it critically, I would re-order “Orion” in CD format.

    Bottom line: in any format, this is good stuff and an excellent way to become acquainted with the work of this important living composer.
    Rating: 5 / 5


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