Descent

In 1985, Philip Glass composed a "dance-theater" work based on Edgar Allan Poe's 1841 short story A Descent into the Maelstrom as one of the last pieces written for the original Philip Glass Ensemble. A few years ago, Norwegian filmmaker Jan Vardoen decided to make a film about the Poe story, which is set in the Arctic Circle near the Lofoten archipelago in northern Norway. At the same time, Vardoen discovered the Philip Glass Ensemble's recording of the work. As part of his film, Vardoen conscripted the Arctic Philharmonic Orchestra and arranger Alexander Waaktar to adapt the music for full symphony orchestra, voice and synthesizer. The result is a dramatic new interpretation of a little known major Philip Glass work. This release from Orange Mountain Music marks the first recording of this dynamic piece in orchestral form.