Philip Glass

Concerto for Harpsichord and Orchestra

Proponents and critics alike may find the idea surprising that celebrated minimalist composer Philip Glass is an admirer and student of the Baroque literature for harpsichord. On consideration, the driving staccato of the instrument is an excellent match to Glass's own rhythmically urgent musical energies, and so it proves in this Concerto For Harpsichord And Chamber Orchestra. Glass adhered broadly to the fast-slow-fast three-movement form of classic concerti and his goal was to allow both the solo instrument and the Orchestra to have moments to 'shine in the musical spotlight'. This concerto is designated as part of The Concerto Project recording series started by Glass in the year 2000, currently in four volumes and including eight concerti.

American composer Philip Glass is widely known as one of the most celebrated, influential and prolific of the modern composers. He is frequently referred to as a minimalist, though he prefers to call himself a composer of 'music with repetitive structures. ' His operas, among them the renowned Einstein On The Beach, are performed across the globe, and he has created work for small and large ensembles, film and experimental theatre, and founded his own performing group, The Philip Glass Ensemble.