Philip Glass, Philip Glass Ensemble

A rare opportunity to see Philip Glass with the Philip Glass Ensemble, as they perform one of the composer’s early masterpieces for the first time in over 48 years in the UK.

A matrix of keyboards lay the foundations for the piece, Music with Changing Parts, which, unusually for Glass’s work, is semi-improvisatory in arrangement. The conductor highlights and extends brief melodic fragments, which swirl around the group to create a shimmering, hypnotic, and almost psychedelic texture. Tonight, it’s presented in its recently updated iteration, featuring new parts for brass and children’s chorus.

Premiered in New York in 1970, Music with Changing Parts was a transitional work in Glass’s career. Melding electronic and acoustic instruments and voice, the piece saw Glass experiment with richer harmonies and increased contrapuntal complexity, hinting at the landmark piece that he was to create next – Music in 12 Parts. ­