Please recommend an album by Philip Glass...

I heard a few tunes by Glass and they sound ok... so I want to listen to more of his work. Can somebody recommend a good starting point? Is there a definitive or best of album which would give me a good overview? Please no minimalist-bashers if possible...

I know Philip Glass isn't a very good composer, but film music is slightly different. I don't think he's that amazing at film scoring either. Let's see, recent film scoring is for John Williams, Thomas Newman or James Horner. Those guys are really good at their jobs. I'm not a minimalist basher, Glass is just ordinary.

I know Philip Glass isn't a very good composer,

what makes you say that? You may not like him, but that doesn't mean he's not a good composer

Fail

Philip Glass' Symphony No. 2 is VERY good, I suggest checking that out.

Originally Posted by gms5287

Fail

Philip Glass' Symphony No. 2 is VERY good, I suggest checking that out.

I concur - the Naxos album Symphonies No. 2 & No. 3 is a good place to start. I also like the Philip Glass Editions: Solo Piano. Glass performs Glass...it's quite good.

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Originally Posted by Rkmajora

I know Philip Glass isn't a very good composer, but film music is slightly different. I don't think he's that amazing at film scoring either. Let's see, recent film scoring is for John Williams, Thomas Newman or James Horner. Those guys are really good at their jobs. I'm not a minimalist basher, Glass is just ordinary.

Who's talking about film scoring? If you have nothing constructive to contribute, why bother?

Actually the best thing to check out is some of his early stuff when he was still being experimental - the soundtrack to koyaanisqatsi is really effective and very well scored, nothing like the recent mush - watch this clip, the music starts about a minute in.

can I recommend a few other pieces that are of similar style, but by different compsoers?

Steve Reich: Desert Music
John Adams: Harmonium, Harmonielehre

those are three of my faves, and I prefer them to anything Glass has ever done. but that's a personal thing.

Originally Posted by robinjessome

Who's talking about film scoring? If you have nothing constructive to contribute, why bother?

Well that's not up to you to say its unconstructive, and who isn't talking about film scoring?

Glass doesn't have a very impressive collection so there is not much to say about him that isn't constructive. Though everyone is entitled to their opinions, keep your bold questions away from me.

On the other hand I second in recommending the pieces Qc has mentioned.

Originally posted by jujimufu
what makes you say that? You may not like him, but that doesn't mean he's not a good composer

No, I do like Philip Glass.

Originally Posted by Rkmajora

I know Philip Glass isn't a very good composer, but film music is slightly different. I don't think he's that amazing at film scoring either. Let's see, recent film scoring is for John Williams, Thomas Newman or James Horner. Those guys are really good at their jobs. I'm not a minimalist basher, Glass is just ordinary.

What?! No mention of Howard Shore? Shame on you.

Originally Posted by QcCowboy

Steve Reich: Desert Music
John Adams: Harmonium, Harmonielehre

those are three of my faves, and I prefer them to anything Glass has ever done. but that's a personal thing.

FABULOUS PIECES!!! Go with that.