Glassworks

Infobox Musical Work
Title = Glassworks
Category = Chamber music
Creator = Philip Glass


Caption = Cover of the first recording, released by CBS/Sony Classical in 1982
Cast = 2fl, 2ssx (cl), 2tsx (bcl), 2hn, pf/syn, vla, vc
Genre = Classical
Period = Contemporary
Style = Postmodern, minimalist
Language = English
Duration = 40'
ISWC = T-070.067.582-6
Derivation = Original work
Composed = Start date|1981
Premiere = Start date|1982, studio recording
Publisher = Dunvagen Music Publishers

"Glassworks" is a chamber music work of six movements by Philip Glass. It is regarded as being a characteristically Glass-like work. Following his larger-scale concert and stage works, Glassworks was Philip Glass' successful attempt to create a more pop-oriented "Walkman-suitable" work, with considerably shorter and more accessible pieces written for the recording studio.

Movements

* I. Opening (piano (hn)) 6'
* II. Floe (2fl, 2 ssx, 2 tsx, 2hn, syn) 7'
* III. Islands (2fl, 2 ssx, tsx, bcl, 2hn, vla, vc) 8'
* IV. Rubric (fl, ssx, tsx, 2hn, org) 6'
* V. Façades (2ssx, syn, vla, vc) 7' - This has its origins in the film score "Koyaanisqatsi", but was ultimately not used in the film; it is often performed as a work in its own right (ISWC T-010.461.089-0).
* VI. Closing (fl, cl, bcl, hn, vla, vc, pno) 6' - A reprise of Opening.

"Opening"

"Opening" uses triplet eighth notes, over duple eighth notes, over whole notes in 4/4. Formally it consists of three groups of four measure phrases of three to four chords repeated four times each, ABC:||ABC, which then merges with the next movement, "Floe" with the entrance of the horns.

References