Search - Philip Glass; Philip Glass Ensemble; various artists :: Philip Glass : Orion

Quite good

Joseph Geni | Evanston, Illinois United States | 08/13/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Philip Glass is Philip Glass, and no matter how many different global styles and instruments he incorporates into its work, you've still got the regular rhythmic patterns, ascending and descending melodic lines, and minimalist development. Glass fans won't be raving about this work for its originality, but rather because it's just GOOD. From Uakti's homemade percussion instruments to Chinese pipa to Grecian vocals to Australian didjeridoo, "Orion" is blessed with a variety of timbres and styles that keep it from becoming horribly repetitive, as it otherwise might have been. It helps to have seen a live performance of it (not that this is easy-the American premier was only a couple months ago) and to watch the interactions of the musicians and their instruments, but as a purely auditory experience this is a solid work with some remarkable soloists. I do recommend."

The Best Concert I Have Ever Seen

R. Hillman | Melbourne, Australia/ New York, USA | 11/17/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What do a Celtic fiddler with bleached hair in combat boots and a kilt, an old Aborigine with a didgerido in a ratty t-shirt, and an entire backing ensemble dressed completely in white have to do with each other? Absolutely nothing? You're right! But that is what makes "Orion" so amazing.



I saw Orion at the Melbourne International Arts Festival while studying there and it was, by far, the best act I saw the entire festival. The entire cast is nearly 20 people and while one may not think that all these different instruments could possibly function together, let alone make music--Glass shows you that they can and do. The personalitites of each of the instrumentalists comes streaming out while they play amid and with each other.



This concert was, by far, the most musically intensive and yet flawless concert I have ever seen. When I heard the CD afterwards, I was shocked to find that they really do sound on the CD like they do in real-life (a noble and dying art, it is sad to say).



Overall, this was the best CD I have ever bought. I recommend it to anyone who likes classical--and any other type of music. The fundamental parts blend seamlessly with the character of the entire group in a whirlwind experience that can only be described as "Orion.""

Astonishing in depth, beauty and grace.

DJ Wilbur | Manhasset, NY USA | 10/09/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Saw this performed in Brooklyn and i was ASTONISHED. One of Philips most rewarding compositions. Lush, gorgeous, intriguing, beguiling, entrancing, enchanting with a phenominal closing section featuring a greek singer. This piece builds up and ebbs down while featuring musicians from around the world, each world music section is delightful and skillfully played. Seemed to me each musician played their instruments in a non-traditional way but i dont know enough about some of these instruments to know for sure. Like all the Philip Glass compositions that i love, this one was slighty repetitive in a good way, with each section building slowly, ever so slightly changing to delight and hypnotize you into its magical spell. To think i was "dragged" to this show and wasnt looking forward to it and now i've been listening to the cd all weekend. A VERITABLE TRIUMPH. I wish i could give it 7 stars, one gold star for each country represented in the incredible musical piece known as Orion."