Glass: 3 Pieces in the Shape of a Square

Featuring

Craig Morris
Philip Glass

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Performer Biography

Craig Morris, the trumpet soloist on this recording, is known internationally as the former Principal Trumpet of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

Composition History

The Melodies (1995) by Philip Glass were written as incidental music for a play based on Jean Genet's novel, Un Captif Amoureux (Prisoner of Love).

Composer Biography

In the mid-1960s, Philip Glass traveled to Paris as a Fulbright Scholar to study with composition teacher Nadia Boulanger and also worked with Indian Sitar master Ravi Shankar.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Philip Glass, though generally regarded as a minimalist composer, has stated he does not like that title.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Philip Glass was significantly influenced by Indian music's use of rhythm to develop overall structure, contrasting it with Western music's division of time.

Notable Performances

The pieces Gradus and Piece in the Shape of a Square were featured in a significant, but little-known, concert at the Film-Makers Cinematheque in 1968, which was a launching pad for Philip Glass's career.

Recording & Production

This recording celebrates the 50th anniversary of the premiere of Philip Glass's Gradus and Piece in the Shape of a Square, which occurred in September 1968.