Post by MartinT on Aug 3, 2021 20:07:13 GMT
Glass - Violin Concerto No.1
Philip Glass was commissioned to write this work by the American Composers Orchestra and the Concerto (now called No.1 as there is a 2nd) was premiered in 1987. It doesn't sound like any other VC I know but, if you know Glass's sound-world, you will recognise his style immediately. Incorporating his infinite looping style morphing slowly as it proceeds, if you love his other works you will love this one. I'm led to believe it's as hard to play as any other VC, but I'll have to cede to experts in this area. Having seen a live performance, it certainly didn't look easy and keeps the soloist busy for long stretches of time. More importantly, it sounds utterly compelling and wonderful. No other VC keeps me as rapt as this one where time seems to pass very quickly and it leaves me wanting more. For me, this is a masterpiece.
I have chosen the McDuffie performance as it's the first one I heard and the one I go back to a lot.
open.qobuz.com/track/5383702
I couldn't find the McDuffie on YouTube so here's Yvonne Lam sounding very fine indeed.
Philip Glass was commissioned to write this work by the American Composers Orchestra and the Concerto (now called No.1 as there is a 2nd) was premiered in 1987. It doesn't sound like any other VC I know but, if you know Glass's sound-world, you will recognise his style immediately. Incorporating his infinite looping style morphing slowly as it proceeds, if you love his other works you will love this one. I'm led to believe it's as hard to play as any other VC, but I'll have to cede to experts in this area. Having seen a live performance, it certainly didn't look easy and keeps the soloist busy for long stretches of time. More importantly, it sounds utterly compelling and wonderful. No other VC keeps me as rapt as this one where time seems to pass very quickly and it leaves me wanting more. For me, this is a masterpiece.
I have chosen the McDuffie performance as it's the first one I heard and the one I go back to a lot.
open.qobuz.com/track/5383702
I couldn't find the McDuffie on YouTube so here's Yvonne Lam sounding very fine indeed.
I won't dwell on this as I don't want to get stuck in a loop myself, having been into this on several previous occasions.