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Philip Glass — Opening
Album: Glassworks
Avg rating:
7.5

Your rating:
Total ratings: 3411









Released: 1981
Length: 5:44
Plays (last 30 days): 0
(Instrumental)
Comments (397)add comment
A few years ago I was at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York for an Alexander McQueen Exhibit and this (Opening) was being played at the entrance.  As you left the exhibit, (Closing) was being played.  I'm not sure how many there knew the difference.
Thanks to RP, I can no longer listen to any Philip Glass piece without expecting to hear Debbie Harry.
The piece ends with a single note played on a horn. Imagine being that horn player, having to sit still for 6 minutes only to then play a single note!
just magnificent imho

here's an equally wonderful version played on theharp for anyone with a hankering for more repetitiveness (pun intended ;))
I see multiple comments mentioning "repetitive", "boring"...  Perhaps I have an innate ability to tolerate repetitiveness as I find this song beautiful.
I was in the lucky position of visiting two concerts of PG (that is philip glass not peter gabriel) Once in KKL in Luzern Switzerland and once in Kaufleuten Zürich. Two completely different venues where both times mr. Glass owned the room and the audience. These were forever memorable because of the delivery and the never ending chit chat of mr. Glass between pieces. The later cannot be recorded and are still vivid in memory. Both a very personal experience.
Glass describes himself as a composer of "music with repetitive structures"

No! Seriously ?

🙄

(It’s ok if you like him, tho)
Philip glass pHilip glass phIlip glass phiLip glass philIp glass philiP glass philip Glass philip gLass philip glAss philip glaSs philip glasS
Can there be such a thing as too much minimalism?   I think this is it.
< y a w n !> 
boring, repetitive = P.Glass. Still, it earns an (annoying) 3.
PSD!
Luckily they recorded this before he started drinking coffee.  ; )
I'd prefer to hear it played by a better pianist.
 Steffl wrote:
Sounds a bit like Ludovico Einaudi, who I prefer. This is a bit too repeating boring.
 
Since Ludovico Einaudi is 20 years younger than Philip Glass, I’d say that L.E. sounds a bit like P.G., rather than P.G. sounds a bit like L.E.
Sounds a bit like Ludovico Einaudi, who I prefer. This is a bit too repeating boring.
YES
 rmgantt wrote:

I feel like this should be on the mellow mix. Or the blue day mix.



No, it's perfect where it is.
I feel like this should be on the mellow mix. Or the blue day mix.
 tonyinnj wrote:
I remember when I heard this for the first time, almost 40 years ago, and thought that this was the most perfect piece of music I had ever heard---then I saw Philip Glass Ensamble in concert at the Kennedy Center Live and was totally blown away...... this man is a freakin' genius!!! a living treasure! If you ever get the chance to see him, live, do not hesitate--just DO IT!!!!

I absolutely agree! Saw him live too .. mesmerising and mindbogglingly brilliant. 10 from me always.
Experiencing Philip Glass at the Sydney Opera House is a truely treasured memory.
The transition from the end of Billie Eilish (Ilomilo) to the beginning of this song was amazing. Well done Bill and Rebecca! 
 daiv wrote:

Knock Knock?
(who's there?)
Phillip Glass. 
(Phillip Glass Who?) 
Knock Knock?
(who's there?)
Phillip Glass.
(Phillip Glass Who?)
Knock Knock?
(who's there?)
Phillip Glass.
(Phillip Glass Who?)
Knock Knock?
(who's there?)
Phillip Glass.
(Phillip Glass Who?)
Knock Knock?
(who's there?)
Phillip Glass.
(Phillip Glass Who?)
Knock Knock?
(who's there?)
Phillip Glass.
(Phillip Glass Who?)
Knock Knock?
(who's there?)
Phillip Glass.
(Phillip Glass Who?)
Knock Knock?
(who's there?)
Phillip Glass.
(Phillip Glass Who?)
&c




I give your post a thumbs up even though I like Philip Glass. Check out his Songs from Liquid Days, it's amazing, especially the vocals by Linda Ronstadt.
This has aged superbly 👏
Knock Knock?
(who's there?)
Phillip Glass. 
(Phillip Glass Who?) 
Knock Knock?
(who's there?)
Phillip Glass.
(Phillip Glass Who?)
Knock Knock?
(who's there?)
Phillip Glass.
(Phillip Glass Who?)
Knock Knock?
(who's there?)
Phillip Glass.
(Phillip Glass Who?)
Knock Knock?
(who's there?)
Phillip Glass.
(Phillip Glass Who?)
Knock Knock?
(who's there?)
Phillip Glass.
(Phillip Glass Who?)
Knock Knock?
(who's there?)
Phillip Glass.
(Phillip Glass Who?)
Knock Knock?
(who's there?)
Phillip Glass.
(Phillip Glass Who?)
&c
Will always remind me of Battlestar Galactica (I know this work isn't on the series). 
 gregskrtic wrote:

I remember when I heard this for the first time, almost 40 years ago, and thought that this was the most perfect piece of music I had ever heard---then I saw Philip Glass Ensamble in concert at the Kennedy Center Live and was totally blown away......  this man is a freakin' genius!!! a living treasure!  If you ever get the chance to see him, live, do not hesitate--just DO IT!!!!

Saw the Glass Ensemble early on at (of all places) The Bottom Line in

NYC...

Tony in NJ

W.A.S.T.E.



I remember when I heard this for the first time, almost 40 years ago, and thought that this was the most perfect piece of music I had ever heard---then I saw Philip Glass Ensamble in concert at the Kennedy Center Live and was totally blown away......  this man is a freakin' genius!!! a living treasure!  If you ever get the chance to see him, live, do not hesitate--just DO IT!!!!
 ce wrote:

That's a valid point, but sometimes it's good to stand still and contemplate just how beautiful ripples in water can be.
I'm reminded of that video in the film "American Beauty" of a plastic bag flying in the wind.


Yes! One of my favorite video clips of all time. The piano that goes with it is perfect. And the dialogue too. I have had a couple similar experiences in real life, seemingly simple dances of nature, that left me aching at the beauty of it.
 sramsay wrote:

What an incredible piece.  But given that this is now pretty much standard classical piano repertoire, maybe look around for other performances of this (aside from the original "Glassworks" from '81)?



I can recommend renderings by Tatjana Lisitsa and J. van Veen
i love that music
What an incredible piece.  But given that this is now pretty much standard classical piano repertoire, maybe look around for other performances of this (aside from the original "Glassworks" from '81)?
 merobreno wrote:
When I hear this my mind automatically fills in it's own lyrics: "Redundant,Redundant,Redundant,Redundant".
 
 merobreno wrote:
When I hear this my mind automatically fills in it's own lyrics: "Redundant,Redundant,Redundant,Redundant".
 
It's interesting that you posted your comment twice in succession.  Anyhow, I believe the word you are looking for is "repetitive", not "redundant" - the two words have different meanings.
Everyone will find a manifestation of their feelings. Light sadness in the rain.
Probably my most favorite Philip Glass piece. Plus I have the privilege of experiencing him playing it live in the Sydney Opera House.
https://www.google.com/search?...
 Jakethemuss wrote:
It may be superficially repetitive but it’s the small variations that make this so lovely.
 
"I wanted to make a point with my Philip Glass album that there is no such thing as repetition in music."
-Vikingur Olafsson

HEY!  LOOK --->  The Allman Brothers are playing on RP Rock Mix ! Lets go...
 pontfarrer wrote:
Seriously ?   you just have way too much time on your hands

smackiepipe wrote:
Reminds me of an old "Knock-Knock" joke.

Knock Knock
Who's there?
Philip Glass.
Knock Knock
Who's there?
Philip Glass.
Knock Knock
Who's there?
Philip Glass.
Knock Knock
Who's there?
Philip Glass.
Knock Knock
Who's there?
Philip Glass....

 plus .  Knock knock
.             leave it there please, lean it against wall.



 

Simultaneously sad and joyful - lovely.
 pixeli wrote:
something between juicy jean-michel jarre and the genius köln concert ... just fine ;-)
 
I see no relation between this elementary piffle and the wonderfull Koln concert.  It's not even well executed.
something between juicy jean-michel jarre and the genius köln concert ... just fine ;-)
 meryemkutlu94 wrote:
1
According to your mysterious metric. I'm giving it a 9 because the piece deserves it and that will offset your narrow mindedness.

 ce wrote:

That's a valid point, but sometimes it's good to stand still and contemplate just how beautiful ripples in water can be.
I'm reminded of that video in the film "American Beauty" of a plastic bag flying in the wind.
 
Oh my God, that was the most amazingly beautiful thing!
And yes, this piece is gorgeous.
Goes straight in to the core.
1
1981? wow, I thought this was new.
Piano is eternal and timeless.
It may be superficially repetitive but it’s the small variations that make this so lovely.
 pvg44 wrote:
Oy, I'm sorry but I don't get it.  I see ripples in water that are interesting for a minute or so and then become...well, repetitive.
 
That's a valid point, but sometimes it's good to stand still and contemplate just how beautiful ripples in water can be.
I'm reminded of that video in the film "American Beauty" of a plastic bag flying in the wind.
Long Live                                                                                                                                     Radio Paradise
My rating is                                                                                              8 - Most Excellent          but weak  
 pvg44 wrote:
Oy, I'm sorry but I don't get it.  I see ripples in water that are interesting for a minute or so and then become...well, repetitive.
 

I find it to be self indulgent dribble. Awful.
Perfect blend for working up a dinner menu.
 back to top

DJ_BellsEye wrote:
I bought this album on vinyl when it came out while I was in college and a rabid Glass fan. This was his follow-up I think to Songs from Liquid Days, his "crossover" hit with several top pop starts of the day (e.g., David Byrne and others).
Hearing this song on RP is what makes me listen to RP and what makes RP great. Thank you.{#Heartkiss}

 

Back in the old days of mix-tape CDs I'd intersperse these haunting piano pieces with arias from Glass's "Songs from the Trilogy" CD.  My appreciation for both CDs and especially for Glass's more lyrical music deepens through the years.
A new favorite is Ethan Hawke reading Ginsberg's "Witchita Vortex Sutra" to Glass's music of the same name.  Also haunting.
it's the cold, analytical part of me that loves this
but it is also a little hopeful and comes to a peaceful resolution
Nice pairing, Bill. I left my office and came back thinking this was a slow fade-out of The National's "Slow Show". 
Closing.
I can't play the piano - or at least not properly.

But when I did sit down at the piano and just played simple alternating fingers and basic chords it sounded something like this Philip Glass number.

I eventually gave up playing the piano but I missed a trick - I should have told everybody I was a minimalist composer.

Lovely and meditative rainy day music, but it seems to not go anywhere. I'm a Glass fan — when the chords and melody are evocative. This is like a practice session. 
Oy, I'm sorry but I don't get it.  I see ripples in water that are interesting for a minute or so and then become...well, repetitive.
it is Here, Now         it's easy to enjoy, or as easy to psd and change  : )   Peace
 thewiseking wrote:
I don't like to use the word overrated. That word however may very well apply to Mr Philip Glass.How does this compare or
surpass ex, Angelo Badalamenti or dozens of other barely recognized soundtrack composers?

 
Just a different approach. Minimal yet powerful. The Koyaanisquatsi soundtrack is a great example. Really complements the movie but stands on its own as well and has had a lot of influence (cf. the Interstellar soundtrack). 

edit: that being said, this isn't quite my favorite piece of his. 
I don't like to use the word overrated. That word however may very well apply to Mr Philip Glass.How does this compare or
surpass ex, Angelo Badalamenti or dozens of other barely recognized soundtrack composers?
 kazoo wrote:
The other evening at sunset, after a day of rain, there were high clouds in rippling waves in the sky. As the sun set the ripples changed to colors of red, orange, violet and pink. This music is like that. All the ripples are very similar but not quite the same, slowly changing as they move slowly along. Makes me stop and look or listen. Close to blissful.

 
very nice  : )
Sublime, powerful, refined, eternal. In my opinion, this is Glass' finest, most exquisite work ever.
Wonderful.  Never get tired of hearing it.
Philip Glass, often brilliant. This just doesn't do it for me though. It's like he found a cool piano sequence and wouldn't let it go (except on too long).
I bought this album on vinyl when it came out while I was in college and a rabid Glass fan. This was his follow-up I think to Songs from Liquid Days, his "crossover" hit with several top pop starts of the day (e.g., David Byrne and others).
Hearing this song on RP is what makes me listen to RP and what makes RP great. Thank you.{#Heartkiss}
Less is more. 
Sounds like I'm listening to vinyl and it keeps skipping back to the same groove. Boring!
He ist absolutely fantastic! More Philip Glass please! {#Clap}{#Clap}{#Clap}{#Clap}
 merobreno wrote:
When I hear this my mind automatically fills in it's own lyrics: "Redundant,Redundant,Redundant,Redundant".

 
yeah yeah yeah
This music break my heart of glass. Beautiful. More Philip Glass please.
 Jelani wrote:
Can we stop now please?

 
Please not yet. It's building. If you missed it, sorry.
Can we stop now please?
The other evening at sunset, after a day of rain, there were high clouds in rippling waves in the sky. As the sun set the ripples changed to colors of red, orange, violet and pink. This music is like that. All the ripples are very similar but not quite the same, slowly changing as they move slowly along. Makes me stop and look or listen. Close to blissful.
When I hear this my mind automatically fills in it's own lyrics: "Redundant,Redundant,Redundant,Redundant".
 TerryS wrote:

Now I know where Gustavo Santaollala got his ideas.

And on a completely different note:

For Proclivity

":I know what you mean but ultimately, that's true with everything...except maybe anhedonia."

 

To which I ask "how long have you been married?"

 
Not long enough for it to be boring.  Well, I generally don't bore easily anyhow - there's almost always something to distract me.  I guess my prior assertion is not wholly accurate.
Mind numbing. 
 SweTex wrote:
His soundtrack to "The Hours" is pretty awesome. So is the movie, btw.
cayenne wrote:

Or for something completely different, there is Koyaanisqatsi.

 
awesome music for these beautiful mind-blowing experiences  
Thought it was Wim Mertens
 hidey wrote:
Outstanding piece of music. It stops me in my tracks every time I hear it. Thank you RP!

 
Agreed
 hidey wrote:
Outstanding piece of music. It stops me in my tracks every time I hear it. Thank you RP!

 
Amen to that.
 SweTex wrote:
His soundtrack to "The Hours" is pretty awesome. So is the movie, btw.

 
Or for something completely different, there is Koyaanisqatsi.

Now I know where Gustavo Santaollala got his ideas.

And on a completely different note:

For Proclivity

":I know what you mean but ultimately, that's true with everything...except maybe anhedonia."

 

To which I ask "how long have you been married?"


 avatar71 wrote:
 It would be a mistake to think that music goes anywhere...the essence of music is the journey without end, like an asymptote approaching a line that it will never reach. Listen closely to the end of any song or symphony and you can always hear another note or chord beyond where the composer has arbitrarily stopped...minimalism is interesting for how it presents this quality of music in its simplest form. 
 
An asymptote is an excellent way to describe his music.  It always gets close to something, but never arrives.  For me that is its beauty.
Jesus fuck I am stuck at home cuz of 15 inches of snow...this is why I am posting so much today...I love RP.  Addicted really.   Cure for boredom IMHO....
 I enjoy listening to music "closely" drsteevo wrote:
This song is completely mind blowing if you listen closely.

 


 84MacGuy wrote:
Sounds like Ludovico Einaudi on valium.  Good but a little sleepy.

 
{#Roflol}
Sounds like Ludovico Einaudi on valium.  Good but a little sleepy.
I think I like the mash-up better

https://www.radioparadise.com/#name=songinfo&song_id=42287 
A little goes a long, long way. I got the beauty and mystery in the first 20 minutes.

Pleasant but sort of boring.
More Phillip Glass!
 smackiepipe wrote:
Reminds me of an old "Knock-Knock" joke.

Knock Knock
Who's there?
Philip Glass.
Knock Knock
Who's there?
Philip Glass.
Knock Knock
Who's there?
Philip Glass.
Knock Knock
Who's there?
Philip Glass.
Knock Knock
Who's there?
Philip Glass....

 
{#Lol} but also...{#Daisy}
 smackiepipe wrote:
Reminds me of an old "Knock-Knock" joke.

Knock Knock
Who's there?
Philip Glass.
Knock Knock
Who's there?
Philip Glass.
Knock Knock
Who's there?
Philip Glass.
Knock Knock
Who's there?
Philip Glass.
Knock Knock
Who's there?
Philip Glass....

 
I don't get it.
 TerryS wrote:
Momentarily intriguing, eventually boring

 
I know what you mean but ultimately, that's true with everything...except maybe anhedonia.
how Fun! not good at playing music but should this be called the "black keys"?...
Momentarily intriguing, eventually boring
Seriously ?   you just have way too much time on your hands

smackiepipe wrote:
Reminds me of an old "Knock-Knock" joke.

Knock Knock
Who's there?
Philip Glass.
Knock Knock
Who's there?
Philip Glass.
Knock Knock
Who's there?
Philip Glass.
Knock Knock
Who's there?
Philip Glass.
Knock Knock
Who's there?
Philip Glass....

 


This is so beautiful, peaceful, pretty, soothing, relaxing, but dark at the same time ...
Very Satie, thank you.
{#Kiss}Pure pleasure
Outstanding piece of music. It stops me in my tracks every time I hear it. Thank you RP!
i don't own any philip glass, but i love everything i hear. i wonder what of his work is the best to purchase?
Very Nice!
Great addition to RP!
...frenetic...
Thanks, Bill.  This crowd needs to hear Phillip Glass.
 smackiepipe wrote:
Reminds me of an old "Knock-Knock" joke.

Knock Knock
Who's there?
Philip Glass.
Knock Knock
Who's there?
Philip Glass.
Knock Knock
Who's there?
Philip Glass.
Knock Knock
Who's there?
Philip Glass.
Knock Knock
Who's there?
Philip Glass....
 
Knock knock
Who's there?
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
10 minutes pass...
.
.
.
.
.

Turns out it was John Cage.
 It would be a mistake to think that music goes anywhere...the essence of music is the journey without end, like an asymptote approaching a line that it will never reach. Listen closely to the end of any song or symphony and you can always hear another note or chord beyond where the composer has arbitrarily stopped...minimalism is interesting for how it presents this quality of music in its simplest form. 
This song is completely mind blowing if you listen closely.
 enkay wrote:
I tend to think that Philip Glass is an acquired taste, a bit like Guinness. Reviled by some, but once you get into it there is much to savour and appreciate.  I'm a long term fan of both by the way. And the go quite well together as a matter of fact.
 
{#Cheers}  Agreed!
His soundtrack to "The Hours" is pretty awesome. So is the movie, btw.
Reminds me of an old "Knock-Knock" joke.

Knock Knock
Who's there?
Philip Glass.
Knock Knock
Who's there?
Philip Glass.
Knock Knock
Who's there?
Philip Glass.
Knock Knock
Who's there?
Philip Glass.
Knock Knock
Who's there?
Philip Glass....
 iTuner wrote:
Does go on for quite a bit and not seem to get anywhere.
 
I don't believe it's supposed to "get anywhere".  That seems to be the point of most of his music.
 Alexandra wrote:
Philip Glass's music reminds me of what you hear when a kid is sitting at the piano just messing around and playing the same damn stuff over and over again until his/her mom politely asks them to go and find something else to do.
 
Yeah right, and any Picasso could be done by any kid with crayons..........
Does go on for quite a bit and not seem to get anywhere.
love this.
 jbunniii wrote:
Incredibly repetitive.
 
just try to play it....
 hey-yo!


Blastcat900 wrote:
Oddly, I hear a little bit of Phillip Glass in this... anyone hear that too?
 


Oddly, I hear a little bit of Phillip Glass in this... anyone hear that too?
I agree indeed
 

Poacher wrote:
He is hitting all the keys. . . but not necessarily in the right order.  
 


I tend to think that Philip Glass is an acquired taste, a bit like Guinness. Reviled by some, but once you get into it there is much to savour and appreciate. I'm a long term fan of both by the way. And they go quite well together as a matter of fact.