Philip Glass, Orion - 52m 36s

Tracks & Durations

1. Australia	12:14
2. Interlude: Australia & China	2:18
3. China	9:48
4. Canada	10:47
5. Interlude: Canada & The Gambia	2:24
6. The Gambia	15:00

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Review

Orion was commissioned for the 2004 Athens Cultural Olympiad. Composer Philip Glass's desire was to create a "truly multi-cultural, international music work." Those familiar with Glass's music will have an idea about what to expect---minimalist motifs repeated over and over, subtly changing both rhythmically and harmonically. But this 90-minute work devotes each of its nine sections to a particular nation: one each to Brazil, Canada, Australia, India, China, The Gambia, and Greece and three in combination. Glass uses instruments indigenous to each country, giving the work a terrific array of colors and flavors. The dark gruntings of the didgeridoo are made even more effective when contrasted with the dainty Chinese pipa, a sort-of cross between the lute and mandolin; the sounds of Nova Scotian fiddler Ashley MacIsaac are sharp edged and folksy; and there is a duet for high wind instrument and sitar. The finale is a Greek song with all the instrumentalists chiming in. "Orion" seems somewhat formless---it's not a concerto or symphony---but its series of movements have great beauty and tonal diversity and keep the ear fascinated. Highly recommended. --Robert LevineOrion is a live recording of the ninety-minute work commissioned by Arts, Dance, and Music Productions which premiered in Athens on June 3, 2004 (with The Philip Glass Ensemble) as part of the Cultural Olympiad in Greece. The recording features Eleftheria Arvanitaki vocalist, Mark Atkins on didjerido, Wu Man on pipa, Gaurav Mazumdar performing a sitar work by Ravi Shakar, Ashley MacIsaac on fiddle, Foday Musa Suso on kora, and the Brazilian ensemble Uakti. The American Premiere on June 21, 2005, will be held at the Ravinia Festival in Highland Park, IL.

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