This is the music that gives
minimalism
its name. These early experiments by
Philip Glass
show the composer in the embryonic stages of the 20th century American shift away from the music of Europe. Newcomers to the
genre may find these pieces too boring for a good listen. But many will find these works relaxing and trancelike. With the exception of the
One + One
pieces, all works are scored for solo organ and are performed thus -- often with parallel arpeggios for both left and right hands. Both
pieces are performed by tapping out written rhythms on a tabletop. This is an important document of the development of a new style, and it is a credit to the performer and producers of this album that they had the vision to make new recordings of these works. ~ Mark W.B. Allender