Philip Glass : Etudes For Piano, Vol.1, No.1-10

Customer Rating:
Summary: Oddly charming thanks to less than perfect playing
Comment: The other reviews here that criticize Glass's performances of the études are right in their collective assertion that the playing is somewhat sloppy and riddled with minor technical mistakes, but its these that, I feel, make it an incredibly charming work to listen to.

These performances are an oddly charming depiction of the humanity and soul that Glass provides his music. These qualities are often hard to pick up in his work, but these raw performances exaggerate them and make his love for the music palpable at last. As the composer, Glass is free to perform these pieces as he likes and what he lacks in technical prowess is made up for by these truly engaging performances.

Etude #3 is a good demonstration of this where a rehash of a previously somber theme (which recalls Interlude from Orphee (Act II Scene 5) somewhat) turns into an exciting carousel piece due to the syncopated nature of Glass's performance.

There is an incredible warmth to this album. The sound is good, Glass plays with an imperfect passion, and it makes for excellent music to ponder or work to.

Customer Rating:
Summary: C to C
Comment: I purchased this music, along with "Portraits-Bruce Levingston", for two reasons: 1. I like the music of Glass; 2. I recently saw (several times) the American Ballet Theatre's production of "Close to Chuck". The music for the ballet includes Études 2, 9 & 10 from "Études for Piano, Vol.1" and two pieces composed and dedicated to Chuck Close. The latter two pieces are included on the CD "Portraits - Bruce Levingston Piano". The ballet was haunting and beautifully danced by ABT. But what made it so exceptional - so memorable - for me, was the music. How the music and the choreography entwined was magic. As soon as I got home I hopped on to Amazon and ordered the two CD's. I think I have played them everyday since they were received. OK, I am obsessive. I love the music of Philip Glass. Glass plays beautifully. All ten études (studies) are entrancing. thoughtful and compelling.

Customer Rating:
Summary: Still More Philip Glass
Comment: Much has been said about this cd. Much have been said about Philip Glass. They keep on saying that the music of Philip Glass is over...my friends...IT'S NOT! These Piano Etudes show the expansion that Philip Glass is adding to his music. They are exactly that...an expansion...experiments. When I first heard this Cd, it felt as if Philip Glass was a total new composer with a bit more major keys. But soon i realised that it was the same Philip Glass just...experimenting. Thses Etudes are not your typical Philip Glass but simply an expansion of him. It is a great Cd that simply proves wrong all of those people that say that the music of Philip Glss is over. This is a Must Have for any Philip Glass fan. It will get under your skin until it gets in your vains and from there...you'll be hooked. And that my friends...it what I call Philip Glass.

Customer Rating:
Summary: Amateurish!
Comment: I heard the Etudes live twice played by Dennis Russell Davies and was very excited by them. I then heard Glass perfom some of them live and it wasn't very good, but I still thought when he told me that he was recording them that the record would be great. Imagine my chagrin when I bought the record to hear this inept, amatuer performance!

Customer Rating:
Summary: You can hear him listening
Comment: Philip Glass wrote Etudes to take on the road, and in the process stripped everything from minimalism but two hands and a piano. Enriched by this most basic constraint, each etude reveals a musical presence that is both austere and melodic, obsessivley structured and surpisingly open ended. Glass wears his influences on his sleve, but something tells me Chopin isn't complaining. Without hype or flash, Glass continues to push the definition of the cultural moment; reminding us that the essential tool of music is not technology or style but an ability to listen and to imagine a listener unike any other. Etudes is quiet, but approach carefully and you can hear Philip Glass listening.