Opening by Philip Glass - A Performance and Short Analysis of this Significant, Polyrhythmic, Minimalist Composer.

Philip Glass

Opening is a piece by the American Composer, Philip Glass (born January 31, 1937), who is considered by many to be one of the most influential composers of the 20th century.
Glass’ music is best described as Minimalist. He describes his own compositions as “music with repetitive structures”.
Glass often employs the use of Polyrhythms in his compositions, in fact it is rather a trademark of his, and Opening is a great example of this.

What is a Polyrhythm?

A Polyrhythm is a simultaneous combination of contrasting rhythms in a musical composition.
One of the most common Polyrhythms is 2 against 3.
This is when 2 eighth notes are played against triplet eighth notes.
In the case of Opening, the right hand (top staff) plays the triplet eight notes while the left hand (bottom staff) plays the double eighth notes, as shown below:

Other Works by Glass

If you are interested in listening to some of Glass’ work, I would highly recommend Glassworks, of which Opening is the first piece.

Glass has said this about his beautiful collection of music:
“Glassworks was intended to introduce my music to a more general audience than had been familiar with it up to then.”

Two other fantastic collections are Songs from Liquid Days and Powaqqatsi.
I have links to all three collections at the end of this article.

It has been said that some of Glass’ work is difficult to listen to, but Glassworks, Songs from Liquid Days, and Powaqqatsi are the most accessible to new listeners.

The Day I Met Philip Gass!

I have been a huge fan of Philip Glass for many years. He has been a great influence on my own music and I have always wanted to meet him.
I had the pleasure of briefly meeting him a few years ago at the premier of the film Visitors, a 2013 documentary film, written and directed by Godfrey Reggio, and scored by Glass.
After the film ended, the director of the film was in the front of the Theatre signing autographs, but Glass wasn’t there.
I decided to wait by the back door like a crazy stalker. lol
When he finally came out with his entourage I shouted “Philip” and waived my hand.
I startled the 80 year old man, but he was gracious enough to shake my hand and I was able to thank him for all his wonderful compositions.
I’m sure he thought I was crazy.
He’s not the only one….. ;-)

Thanks for listening and reading!