Philip Glass: Saxophone

I play the saxophone and really like the music composed by Philip Glass, so this CD is of great interest to me. The title of the album, "Saxophone," is a giveaway and the three pieces are all music composed for this instrument.The Concerto for Saxophone is in four movements and lasts for just over 20 minutes. When I first listened to it, I found it sounded pleasant but even by Glass's standards it was lacking depth. It was performed by a quartet of saxophones and that's when I questioned why the title was "Concerto" and not "Quartet for Saxophone." I discovered that the saxophone quartet forms part of an orchestra for the full version of Concerto for Saxophone and this is available with Glass's second symphony on the CD  Glass: Symphony No. 2 The orchestral version has the quality and depth that the quartet lacked, and now I appreciate why. However, it is relaxing to listen to.The "Melodies for Saxophone" consist of 13 short pieces, each between one to three minutes in length, played on solo saxophone. To be blunt, these sound like warm-up exercises. They were used as incidental music for a theatre production of Jean Genet's Prisoner of Love in a production by Joanne Akalitus (his former wife). The music is tonal and melodic, but is not recognisably minimalist with the associated rhythmic patterns. It's interesting but not particularly moving due to the short duration of each piece.The Windcatcher is in 3 parts and this is a lovely rich and melodic piece which is a fitting finale to this CD. It stands out because it has everything that the previous pieces were lacking, even though it lasts for just over 11 minutes. It is performed by Jon Gibson, Richard Peck and Andrew Stermann who are all members of the Philip Glass Ensemble. They combine fluently and with fluidity to produce saxophone music which is classical and contemporary, but also melodic and rhythmic with the recognisable components of Glass's compositional creativity.This CD would be of most interest for Glass completists, but Windcatcher is definitely worth a listen

This CD is the fourth release on Philip Glass's new private Orange Mountain Music label. Four releases in less than a year is impressive, and each of the four has been wonderful. All are available only through amazon.com."Saxophone" as the name implies, is a CD of all-saxophone music. Starting off with the Concerto for Saxophone Quartet, which originally appeared on the CD "Symphony No. 2" (Nonesuch Records) in the full version with orchestra, this version is scored for saxophone quartet only. It's a wonderful piece in four movements- each movement is markedly different from each other. Of particular note for myself is the third movement, which goes to my heart like a laser beam was shown on it. I can picture Philip Glass composing the third movement during a rainy night in Manhattan. It never fails to almost bring me to tears. The jazzy, joyous second and last movements are a great counter to the third movement. I still prefer the original recording with the orchestra, but this is a wonderful performance and you may prefer it over the original. The Rascher Saxophone Quartet does an awesome job in their performance.The next piece on the CD is called Melodies for Saxophone, consisting of 13 short "sketches", some of which made their way into the saxophone concerto. These are all skillfully played by Andrew Sterman, who is a member of the Philip Glass Ensemble. Some of the pieces are great, and others are definitely not much more than sketches. The pieces give further insight into the thought processes of a true genius.The final piece on the CD is called The Windcatcher. This is my favorite piece on the CD. In three movements of moderate length, this is a beautiful piece, effortlessly played by longtime members of the Philip Glass Ensemble: Jon Gibson, Richard Peck, and Andrew Sterman. These guys have played Glass music for up to three decades and it shows (it's more difficult to play than these guys make it sound.)This 63 minute CD is another great addition to the rapidly growing Orange Mountain Music catalog. As always, the recording quality is top-notch. This CD is not as intense overall as the first three OMM releases (The Music of Candyman, Early Voice, and A Descent into the Maelstrom). It makes for great listening no matter where you may be- in your office, in your car, at home, etc. You won't regret purchasing this disc!

or anyone with ears, for that matter. The Concerto is simply an amazing experience. There have been less-than-inspiring concert performances of the orchestral version, but forget what you've heard and get this album. The musicality of the Quartet's performance is beyond description.And if you or someone you love plays the saxophone, get the album and get the score of the Melodies out of the library or buy it. They range in difficulty from "you can play it at sight" to "maybe a few months from now", but how much of Glass's music is available for you to play right now by yourself?For those who will just be listening, Andrew Sterman's performances are worth the price of the album. The baritone work, in particular, will delight audiophiles and inspire many saxophone players to find better day jobs---either to stop playing entirely, or to go out and get a bari of their own on which to attempt to reproduce those amazing sounds.

beautiful harmonizing, exquisite tonality... beginning with a melancholic pace, as only phillip glass can do, and so splendidly he does in these compositions performed by the rascher saxophone quartet, drew sterman and the phillip glass woodwind ensemble. long time associates to mr. glass, these performers capture the spirit of the glass compositions wonderfully, it seems to me. the interweaving dynamic vocalization and chords; sometime soft but inevitably leading into crescendo, decrescendo dynamism are phillip glass trademarks. the inherent qualities unique to the saxophone are revealed in all it's splendor. there are many wonderful passages and movements; some with splendid attention to lower register instrumentation, returning to higher register perfection... the music remains always interesting and most highly listenable. it is 62 minutes and 40 seconds of phillip glass as presented by great performers. it is really a treasure and a treat for the saxophone lover. mz

I first heard Philip Glass' CONCERTO FOR SAXOPHONE on KUSC-FM and enjoyed it immensely. So much so that I had to BUY this CD! The performances are excellent, and the sound is wonderful (even the clicking of the saxophone keys gives it a "live" feel). HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Incredible music. I heard on of these pieces performed in my hometown and purchased this without knowing anything about the performers. It is great. Powerful, deft renditions of uncommonly beautiful music. Very popular with listeners to my show Diaspora on WORT-FM.