Philip Glass A Portrait Of Philip In Twelve Parts (2009) [2xdvd] {koch Lorber Films}

In honor of Philip Glass' 70th birthday, Sony has devoted two CDs to 18 short works and movements of larger works, from recordings in its archive. The set provides a useful introduction to the composer's work from a relatively brief span in his long career, from 1976 to 1988. It was an exceptionally productive period for Glass; works written during that period include his three large-scale portrait operas – Einstein on the Beach, Satyagraha, and Akhnaten – all represented here, as well as two very popular albums of short pieces: Glassworks and Songs From Liquid Days.

Philip Glass's early works have purely functional titles, and this one is no exception. His masterpiece in this repetitious and rigorously structural composition style– Music in Twelve Parts–may be just too much for some people to take. If so, then this disc may be just the ticket. Of course, Glass's many fans will snap it up as a matter of course, but as the title implies, there's somewhat more happening here than in his very first minimalist works–just enough so that newcomers to the style ought to find something to enjoy. An important disc, then, both as a milestone in the history of a major musical movement and a reminder of style that the composer has long since abandoned.

Orange Mountain Music presents the premiere recording of Philip Glasss 1988 opera based on Edgar Allen Poes THE FALL OF THE HOUSE OF USHER with a libretto by Arthur Yorinks. Premiered in 1988, the opera has been one of Glasss most popular yet has never received a recording until now performed by Wolf Trap Opera Artists, Inscape Chamber Orchestra under conductor Joseph Li. The performance features a stellar cast including Jonas Hacker as Roderick Usher, Ben Edquist as William, Matthew Adam Fleisher as the Servant, Nicholas Nestorak as the Physician, and Madison Leonard as Madeline Usher. Glass's gothic opera, part of a trilogy of dark operas including Kafka's The Trial and In the Penal Colony, receives a stunning studio recording produced by Soundmirror. The package includes two booklets including a full libretto, and photos of the 2017 production.