Glassworks (Glass)

Glassworks
by Philip Glass
ISWC T-070.067.582-6
Style Postmodern, minimalist
Form Chamber music
Language English
Composed 1981 (1981)
Publisher Dunvagen Music Publishers
Recorded 1982 (1982), studio recording for Sony Classical Records

Glassworks is a chamber music work of six movements by Philip Glass. It is regarded as a characteristically Glass-like work. Following his larger-scale concert and stage works, Glassworks was Philip Glass's successful attempt to create a more pop-oriented "Walkman-suitable" work, with considerably shorter and more accessible pieces written for the recording studio. The studio album was released in 1982.[1][2]

Movements

  • I. Opening (piano (with horn at end)) 6'24"
  • II. Floe (2 flutes, 2 soprano saxophones, 2 tenor saxophones, 2 horns, synthesizer) 5'59"
  • III. Island (2 flutes, 2 soprano saxophones, tenor saxophone, bass clarinet, 2 horns, viola, violoncello, synthesizer) 7'39"
  • IV. Rubric (2 flutes, 2 soprano saxophones, 2 tenor saxophones, 2 horns, synthesizer) 6'04"
  • V. Façades (2 soprano saxophones, synthesizer, viola, violoncello) 7'20" - This has its origins in the film score Koyaanisqatsi, but was ultimately not used in the film; it is often performed as a work in its own right (ISWC T-010.461.089-0).
  • VI. Closing (flute, clarinet, bass clarinet, horn, viola, violoncello, piano) 6'03" - A reprise of Opening.

"Opening"

"Opening" uses triplet eighth notes, over duple eighth notes, over whole notes in 4/4. Formally it consists of three groups of four measure phrases of three to four chords repeated four times each, ABC:||ABC, which then merges with the next movement, "Floe" with the entrance of the horns.[4]

"Floe"

There are two formulaically identical sections to the movement. Although rhythmically driven, the melodic implications of "Floe" occur somewhat coincidentally by orchestration. There is no modulation, but the harmonic progression simply repeats over and over again. The layering of contrasting timbres is characteristic of the piece as a whole. Floe borrows a theme from fifth symphony of Jean Sibelius.[5]

"Rubric" and "Façades" both appeared in the 2008 documentary about Philippe Petit, Man on Wire. "Floe" was featured on the soundtrack of the 1989 Italian horror film The Church.

Release and reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[6]
Pitchfork9.5/10[7]

Glassworks has a 4.5/5 rating on Allmusic.[8] The album was commercially successful, introduced Glass' music to a large audience, and gave Glass widespread name recognition.[1]

References

  1. 1 2 Martin, Erin Lyndal (30 April 2012). "Celebrating The 30th Anniversary Of Glassworks By Philip Glass". The Quietus. The Quietus. Retrieved 9 March 2016.
  2. ↑ Schaefer, John (4 September 2012). "Top 10 Essential Philip Glass Recordings". Q2 Music. WQXR. Retrieved 9 March 2016.
  3. ↑ Philip Glass: Music: Glassworks Archived 2008-03-25 at the Wayback Machine.
  4. ↑ Wu, Chia-Ying. The Aesthetics of Minimalist Music and a Schenkerian-Oriented Analysis of the First Movement "Opening" of Philip Glass' Glassworks. Denton, Texas: UNT Digital Library. Retrieved 23 December 2015.
  5. ↑ https://www.hs.fi/kulttuuri/art-2000005451447.html (in finnish)
  6. ↑ Young, John (1981). "AllMusic Review". AllMusic. Retrieved 12 March 2015.
  7. ↑ Walls, Seth Colter. "The Complete Sony Recordings - Review". Pitchfork Media. Condé Nast. Retrieved November 22, 2016.
  8. ↑ http://www.allmusic.com/album/philip-glass-glassworks-mw0000157237
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