Glass: Einstein on the Beach (1993 Recording)

Michael Riesman, Robert Wilson - Glass: Einstein on the Beach (1993 Recording)

Glass: Einstein on the Beach (1993 Recording)
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Music CD Cover

Artist: Michael Riesman, Robert Wilson
Performer: Richard Peck
Composer: Richard Peck
Performer: Gregory Purnhagen
Performer: Jeff Kensmoe
Performer: Peter Stewart
Conductor: Peter Stewart
Performer: Jeffrey Johnson
Performer: Andrew Sterman
Composer: Philip Glass
Conductor: Michael Riesman
Conductor: Robert Wilson
Performer: Jon Gibson
Performer: Elsa Higby
Performer: Katie Geissinger
Performer: Margo Gezairlian Grib
Orchestra: Philip Glass Ensemble
Performer: Kristin Norderval
Performer: Lisa Bielawa
Performer: Marion Beckenstein
Edition: Music CD
Format: Box set
CD Release Date: 1993-09-28
Music Label: Nonesuch
Soundtracks:
Music CD 1
  1. Knee Play 1
  2. Act I, Scene 1: Train
  3. Act I, Scene 2: Trial
Music CD 2
  1. Knee Play 2
  2. Act II, Scene 1: Dance 1
  3. Act II, Scene 2: Night Train
  4. Knee Play 3
Music CD 3
  1. Act III, Scene 1: Trial/Prison
  2. Act III, Scene 2: Dance ("Field With Spaceship")
  3. Knee Play 4
  4. Knee Play 4
Music CD 4
  1. Act IV, Scene 1: Building/Train
  2. Act IV, Scene 2: Bed
  3. Act IV, Scene 3: Spaceship
  4. Knee Play

Free Music Notes for Glass: Einstein on the Beach (1993 Recording)

Free Music Review: Minimalism at its most ambitious
Hit: 5 Stars

This work is the last of the strictly minimalistic compositions by Philip Glass and in my opinion his best. The re-recording successfully addresses some issues the first version had, and at the same time creates new. The overall sound is a bit darker and more romantic, which makes it easier to listen to, while not sacrificing the minimalist feel. Aside from production, the choir is at another level compared to the other recording. The incredibly fast ending (Spaceship) is unlike anything minimalism has produced, intense and powerful. Some argue that this version is dull - no, it just makes some passages emotionally colored, be it romantic or theatrical. But, there are some drawbacks. The beginning of the Trial had a wonderful interplay between Johnson, whose replacement doesn't have such a commanding voice, and Mann, which is cast out. Also, the spoken text is at places done in a strange jester-like way, which only distracts the listener. The biggest disappointment for me is the change in Building-Train. The original was done in a very fast tempo and with incredible minimalist improvisation on saxophone. Now we have what Glass calls "a very lyrical, bluesy solo", which not only does not fit in the work, but is also not very interesting. Do not let these details divert you from buying; this stunning opera is one of the most important works of the 20th century music and this recording is, overall, top-notch.

Glass: Einstein on the Beach (1993 Recording) Poster

Although Einstein on the Beach is by definition an opera, Philip Glass's most famous work also transcends traditional music categories. Glass avoided all vestiges of plot in the piece and dug deep into his quiver of repetitions to create an artfully unnerving five hours of brilliance. The instrumental ensemble never exceeds five members, playing electric keyboards, saxophones, flutes, and a single violin. Furthermore, the music congregates around the upper registers, often darting through its loops at seemingly incredible paces. The chorus bears huge chops, creating a dense, if silkenly staccato, series of juts, and a powerful array of higher-register annunciations that ring with the aural power of leaping, blurring filaments. This 1993 version of Einstein truly supersedes its predecessors, stretching to around 190 minutes over three CDs. There is a strong current of postmodern collage throughout the piece, with rafts of pop culture references. But Einstein, after all, is indeed based loosely on Albert Einstein and ends with booming allusions to nuclear annihilation and mathematics. --Andrew Bartlett

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