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"Philip likes the fact that music doesn't just exist on paper now and that these early pieces can be realized in different ways." ~Michael Riesman
Philip Glass’ Music For Eight Parts journey from missing or lost, to the current recording, feels like an elaborate plot by a master novelist.
Michael Riesman, Musical Director for the Philip Glass Ensemble, tells the story.
Philip Glass always knew that teaching and the groves of academia were not for him. After his studies with Nadia Boulanger and Ravi Shankar in Paris, he returned to New York in March of 1967, so focused on composing that he realized that he needed his own ensemble to learn and perform his rigourous compositions.
Glass also knew that, in order to sustain his making a living through composing, that he had to work to support the ensemble. Cab driver, plumber and mover, Glass wore many hats and paid his dues – and then some.
Music In Eight Parts, referring to the number of musical lines, was written in 1969, dated January of 1970 on the score and performed, according to then intern Alex Gray “twice at the Guggenheim and twice at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis.” Ultimately, Glass had to sell the autograph score to make ends meet and did not remember to whom it was sold.
Fast forward to 2017 when the score resurfaced and went on auction at Christie’s. It sold for $43,750 and now is with Dunvagen Music, Glass’s publisher.
The Philip Glass Ensemble has changed over the years and this piece needed some updating if it was to be added to the current repertoire. Step in Michael Riesman, director of the PGE.
Ecletopia host Jim Lange interviewed Michael Riesman on June 2, 2020, about the tale of Glass’s lost piece and other topics.
Listen to a more in depth version of the interview:
Here are some additional excerpts from the interview.
Sources:
https://www.michaelriesman.com/about_michaelriesman.html
The Fresh Air archives are open! Here’s a link. The Ira -Philip Glass interview is so inspiring.
The best documentary for learning more about Philip Galss:
This week, the federal government has taken back millions of dollars set aside for public radio stations. Allegheny Mountain Radio is among those fighting to stay on the air. Also, a book by a West Virginia artist illustrates the tiny worlds of mountain critters, like a lizard that changes color. And, geocaching gets folks outside to play detective and find hidden treasures.
Continue Reading Take Me to More NewsIf you’ve ever been on TikTok or Instagram and seen short, quirky videos of English people talking about Marshall University football, or in this case, soccer, those are the brainchild of independent British filmmaker Daniel Johnson.
Continue Reading Take Me to More NewsLeaders of Huntington want commuters who work in the city to have a home there -- they've got a plan. And a campaign to help those in need access clean water looks at the unique challenges in Appalachia.
Continue Reading Take Me to More NewsThis week, we speak with the author of a new graphic novel about the West Virginia Mine Wars. Also, professional storyteller James Froemel invents quirky characters, like a sign maker who can’t spell. And, one of the most common animals to get hit by cars are opossums. But, there’s a kind of animal rescue called pouch picking. We talk with author Laura Jackson.
Continue Reading Take Me to More News
