Glass: Einstein on the Beach (1993 Recording) | Richard Peck, Gregory Purnhagen, ...

Glass: Einstein on the Beach (1993 Recording) | Richard Peck, Gregory Purnhagen, ... | Incredible! Now, If I could only rate this an 8 out of 5...

classical music:

Glass: Einstein on...

	Glass: Einstein on the Beach (1993 Recording) Richard Peck, Gregory Purnhagen, ... Nonesuch, 1993 average customer review:based on 30 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

The best recording of this completely original work

I must confess that I didn't really like Einstein on the Beach, but like so much 20th century music, it has really grown on me.

This is the definitive recording of the four-plus-hour "opera." For those unfamiliar with this landmark in modern music, it is said by many to be one of the most well known examples of `minimalist' music (although Glass himself evidently abhors this term).

Unlike most western compositions which rely on harmony, melody, and such, EOTB's music is based almost completely on rhythm. In order to hear the complex rhythmic relationships, Glass decided to pare down his music into basic harmonies and melodies. While it seems constant at first, Glass' music evolves at an almost-glacial pace, and the music actually seldom repeats itself.

EOTB debuted in 1976 and is a non-narrative history of the famous scientist. Instead of a plot, the opera unfolds much like a dream, representing the various aspects of Einstein and his life--the violinist, the humorist, and the scientist who's discoveries `enabled' space travel, time distortion, other various aspects of modern society, and, of course, nuclear annihilation.

The liner booklet is exceptional and does a much better job explaining the opera than an amateur like me ever could.

I really like this music and find it entrancing. Almost all the dialogue is present on this recording, which also helps provide some of the effect of the performance.

Although EOTB has much in common with popular techno music, I don't think it would make a great gift for anybody who doesn't know what it's about. If you have heard of EOTB and find it at least interesting, then you'll enjoy this CD set.

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Incredible! Now, If I could only rate this an 8 out of 5...

Have you ever heard music that changes your life? Maybe it was a song that stays locked in your short-term memory for decades, which matured and blended over years between listenings until the next time you have heard it. And when you do....

It is EXACTLY the way you remembered it! And more...

I accidently discovered Einstein on the Beach in my college's music listening lab. It became a part of my internal soundtrack, almost like a meditative chant, when I painted or wrote. It is STILL there to unlock my creativity.

This Phillip Glass / Robert Wilson piece may not be for everyone (it drives my wife, who is logical,wonderful,the order to my clutter, and likes almost all of the same music I do, round the bend). There is not only the familiar (and welcome) signature Glass music line that permeates most of his work, but a vocal organisation to match. The lyrics/phrasing and timing are mathematically precise and dramatically circular. All while telling a story (A Story?) Well, it isn't necessary to even pay attention to the meaning of the lyrics to enjoy the CDs. The music is only enhanced by them.

BUT if you like Kowaanisqatsi, The cIVIl warS, David Byrne's The Forest, Brian Eno's instrumetals, I can highly recommend EINSTEIN ON THE BEACH.

It is one of the few pieces of music I could not bear to part with.

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He likes it.

This was my first exposure to Philip Glass. I instantly fell in love with the work, and was glad when this version was released. The quality is top line, and other editions are edited.
I had the opportunity to meet Mr. Glass a few years ago. I nervously approached him, held out the booklet that accompanies this set, and asked for an autograph. He smiled, opened and signed it, and said "You got the real thing."

Not better than the old recording, but different

First let me say this is a fantastic recording.

Now, I like both recordings of "Einstein on the Beach". I don't think this one is "better" than the original one.

I think they are different, but both equally enjoyable for different reasons, with different strengths and weaknesses.

Buy them both; I did, and I listen to both.

Also I got to see the opera performed live in the BAM revival in the mid-1980's, so I could also compare the 2 recordings, with what I experienced in the live version.

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I like it.

Surely, this is not for everyone. Whether you like it or not, this album has been very influential. It's obvious from an earlier negative review that "Einstein" can be challenging. Though, if you don't like it doesn't necessarily mean it is without merit. For me, it's a five star recording.

reviews: 1, 2, page 3, 4, 5, 6

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