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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
This recording seems to have polarised opinions. I wouldn't argue with those that suggest Dennis Russell Davies' alternative versions are better but that doesn't make these weak performances. On the contrary, they're very good on the whole.
Symphony no 2 is a big orchestral work that builds tension in its first movement that is released in the hypnotically repetitive opening to the finale. With such a large ensemble playing in unison at first it's quite striking. The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra under Marin Alsop are certainly not found wanting.
The Third Symphony is for leaner forces - strings only. The slow movement, is a particularly impressive chaconne that gradually builds up its layers of material. Glass demonstrates his lvoe of Bach here and it is the highlight of the symphony. the rest includes some incisive rhythms in the manner of Bartok in places but doesn't reach quite the same exalted standard. I would certainly agree that Dennnis Russell Davies' version is superior, but the Bournemouth strings are still good.
At this price you're getting a generous portion of Glass's music when other labels are often reluctant to give you more than 50 minutes per disc. The recording is vivid and natural and the orchestra are in fine form. These are two "absolute" symphonies and don't, therefore suffer form any of Glass's sometimes pompous and pretentious programme elements.
Symphony no 2 is a big orchestral work that builds tension in its first movement that is released in the hypnotically repetitive opening to the finale. With such a large ensemble playing in unison at first it's quite striking. The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra under Marin Alsop are certainly not found wanting.
The Third Symphony is for leaner forces - strings only. The slow movement, is a particularly impressive chaconne that gradually builds up its layers of material. Glass demonstrates his lvoe of Bach here and it is the highlight of the symphony. the rest includes some incisive rhythms in the manner of Bartok in places but doesn't reach quite the same exalted standard. I would certainly agree that Dennnis Russell Davies' version is superior, but the Bournemouth strings are still good.
At this price you're getting a generous portion of Glass's music when other labels are often reluctant to give you more than 50 minutes per disc. The recording is vivid and natural and the orchestra are in fine form. These are two "absolute" symphonies and don't, therefore suffer form any of Glass's sometimes pompous and pretentious programme elements.
2 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
I'm not a Glass fan - just someone who has long found his sound world attractive but had often been disappointed on closer listening. I thought I would try these - the idea of Glass as a symphonist intrigued me - and must confess that I have greatly enjoyed them. Marin Alsop is, of course, a conductor of some repute and I found nothing to indicate that the performances here may fall below her normal high standards. The music - it is attractive and enthralling; it keeps you interested and you are almost sorry when it ends ... it is effective and enjoyable. I suppose a symphony is meant to be more of a journey: you feel you have reached a different place by its end ... maybe you are happier, or exhausted or unlifted. I'm not sure that these works quite do that. But they do satisfy. Composers have been reinventing the symphony for hundred of years so who is to say that the relatively smooth trajectory of these works is a failing or a fault?
4 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Pay little attention to highly subjective reviews. This review is objective - read on. Had I read Mr Eastwood's review, damning as it is, I would not have bought this recording. A virgin to Philip Glass's music, it was, paradoxically whilst in Virgin, that I chanced upon this album. £5 seemed cheep for a chance to be enlightened. I bought it and was. Mirin Alsop, the conductress and violinist, worked closely with Glass in the late 70's and early 80's. She is well placed to both present and interpret this music. She has coaxed the Bournemouth SO to produce some wonderful soundscapes here. That this album is my first introduction to Philip Glass's music and that, because of it, I have resolved to buy more, has taught me two valuable lessons that are worth passing on: pay less credence to subjective reviews and be more capricious when buying - it pays off.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Essential Philip Glass
Recently saw the City of London Sinfonia play Symphony 2, and just had to buy a copy. Great performance of both pieces, although I prefer the more minimal Symphony 2. Buy it!!!!
Published 13 months ago by D. Hunter
Spoiled by the performance of it.
This jangling and contrived rendition of what are essentially beautiful Glass compositions disappoints profoundly. Read more
Published on 24 Dec 2007 by T. Eastwood
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