Mad Rush (1979). Philip Glass /music with changing reactions/

It's Philip Glass all weekend and as you might expect, results are mixed if still in flux.

• The Notes on a Scandal soundtrack was atmospheric and unengaging; why this doesn't even make good ambient music, I can't say.
• Dracula on the other hand merits more listening.
• From the Marin Alsop Naxos CD, Symphony No. 2 was better than Symphony No. 3. At first, I found the second movement of the latter disconcerting and maybe even ugly. Hey, where are the arpeggios? On second listen this morning, I can hear a more familiar rhythmic propulsion I didn't hear yesterday. The idea of unconventional Philip Glass music would be too much to bear at this point. Still, I could imagine this as say, an Alan Hovhaness outtake.
• Mad Rush by pianist Bruce Brubaker is the highlight so far.
• Listening consecutively to Music in Similiar Motion, Music in Contrary Motion, and  Music with Changing Parts  ( Music with Changing Parts (Part 1) by Philip Glass via Rhapsody - 25 free plays per month) results in a pleasant albeit blurred memory of all three.
• The Alter Ego recording is interesting and challenging. From 1968, 600 Lines is austere, rigorous and challenging but I will listen again; I haven't yet decided about 1967's Strung Out. The aforementioned motion music pieces are also on this CD.

Comments

[Roger Bourland]

I'm with you on Notes on a Scandal. I bought it, listened to it twice and don't really wanna hear it again!