Search - Philip Glass, Dennis Russell Davies, Rascher Saxophone Quartet :: Philip Glass: Symphony No. 2

Sara F. from DENVER, CO
Reviewed on 10/19/2009...

heard on the radio, though generally don't care for Philip Glass. a keeper

A Mesmerizing Symphony & Lighthearted Concerto

Daniel R. Greenfield | Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States | 02/10/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Symphony No. 2 is one of those works that you might not like on the first hearing; there is a dissonant atonal quality that persists throughout the work. However, by the second or third playing, you will be completely mesmerized by this music. It is easily one of his greatest works. The first and second movements are absolutely stunning! The third movement has much more complex rhythms but is equally beautiful in its own way. The Saxophone Concerto is a lighthearted work, and quite different in mood from the symphony. These two works are best listened to separately, otherwise you may not appreciate the lighter tone of this concerto. This music is reminiscent of that excellent CD of Stravinsky's lighter music called "Shadow Dances". If you like Shadow Dances, you will like this concerto. The only flaw on this otherwise perfect album is to be found on the album's liner notes: the short interlude sandwiched in the middle between the symphony and the concerto is too short! The album notes say it is 6'30" long, however is only 2'30"."

A beautiful concerto by a great composer

Daniel R. Greenfield | 09/03/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Philip Glass has written all of his five symphonies in the nineties, and they are beautiful symphonic masterpieces (his latest was premiered in summer 1999). His Symphony No.2 (1994) has a wonderful moving, melancholic middle movement and an upbeat finale. But I think the Saxophone Quartet Concerto(1995) is even better; its first movement sounds rather gothic (very Edgar Allen Poe), the second is very jazzy. The third is one of the most tranquil slow movements I've ever heard (a rainy night in Manhattan?). The last is very fast, light and upbeat. Phil Glass beautifully blended elements from (french? - I think there is some Satie, Ravel and Poulenc in it) classical music, jazz and rock in that piece, but its pure Glass. It's great."