Customer Rating: 
Summary: Classical music of different kind...
Comment: Around 1980-Just when people thought it was impossible for anyone to compose "classical" music that was fresh, original and appealing, Philip Glass and his minimalist style came along. The idea is that the mood builds up in a repeatetive (trance-like) manner. On this CD, it is quite ineresting how Glass manages to create various moods, as well as, capture human emotions, in what may seem to be a very limiting framework. He makes very good use of orchestral colors through various instruments.
Other minimalist pieces that are also quite moving are "Nixon in China" by Adams and "Song of Sorrow" by Gorecki.
Customer Rating: 
Summary: He works magic in film.
Comment: Perhaps it is true that the work of Phillip Glass has been of ambiguous nature; many different subconsciousness that would be drawn to his music and many alike would be pulled back in similiar impact or just simply stand in plain confusion. His music works perfect for the medium of film, not because there is another medium 'filling up the void' in his style, but it's the commentary that it makes on the story while the film runs on its own. This music leaves much to the imagination of those filled with it, to tell their own story. It can handle almost anything one throws at it; irony, contradiction, pain, relief, comedic, anything, it will almost seem to work out well perfectly for certain individuals. Minimalism is a common label on this music, however it is precisely minimalism that leaves the mind to explore on its own. Classical greats like Bach, although in a similiar vein, still lay down the scenery in a more conspicuous manner than Glass. After all, this is contemporary art; and it will not work out well for those who do not have the audacity to create their own mental scenes but rather rely more on music for a more solid comprehension to come through.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Glassworks is an amazing album
Comment: Although I'd heard of Philip Glass I was quite unaware of his music until I attended a performance of The Upper Room by the Washington Ballet in October 2006. The music is by Philip Glass and the choreography by Twyla Tharp. It was one of the most memorable artistic experiences of my life. It was incredible.
I subsequently purchased Glassworks and find the music to be extremely powerful. I recommend this album absolutely. I find most of the pieces on the album to be profoundly moving. The last movement from "The Upper Room" is especially powerful and significant.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Great experiment of questionable musical value
Comment: Yes, arpeggios are great! Thank you, Philip. That is called harmony. But there also exists such thing as melody, you know. Maybe, you've heard of it. It's what some composers are famous for. I see that you know what it is. But you should definitely use it more often!
Let's start again... I absolutely love Opening. It's emotional, it's haunting, it's beautiful, and it's atmospheric. But what follows next... Really, Philip Glass could be a great etude composer. When I'm playing piano etudes, I'm always reminded of Glass' music. Some people say it's atmospheric, I say it's repetitive and boring. Hints of melody and style pierce the arpeggiated clouds on Island and Facades. But that's it.
If you want some good atmospheric minimalism, listen to Harold Budd or Brian Eno. If you want good post-modern influenced compositions, buy James Newton Howard's The Village score. You may want to buy Philip Glass' Glassworks if you can't live without the opening theme or want to find out what his music is about. I've found out. But right now I don't want to go any further...
Customer Rating:
Summary: Love - Hate Relationship
Comment: Simply, the question is of the following: Is P. Glass one of the 20th century's most creative artists, lending a sublte poignancy to his pieces; or, on the other hand, is Glass merely the most overrated hack in classical music today, utilizing almost endlessly repeating arpeggios to the chagrin of the listener's ear (not to mention, patience)?
From my rating, I clearly fall into the first camp. However, the pleasure you will derive from this CD is undoubtedly personal and subjective, based upon both experience and taste. No doubt, the arguments on both side of the question are passionate and entrenched. I suggest, instead, that you listen to the tracks that Amazon provides. This will give you a sense as to whether you will love or hate the music.
As for my experience with the music, I agree with several fellow reviewers: Glass's methodology is wholeheartedly expressive, providing the composer with ample space to slowly build and play on different moods within the work, making the listener conscious of individual notes, instruments, and rhythms within the ensemble. The only thing I can think to compare this with is, perhaps, flavors. Either you can eat a piece of chocolate hurriedly and grasp the totality of its flavor; or you may calmly savor it and, perhaps, find a nice caramal center, unmask the interplay of various textures, and discover satisfaction in its simplicity.
Bear in mind, however, I approached Philip Glass after having a large exposure to Ravi Shankar and 'classical Indian' music. Some, not all, of the music is rhythmically repetitive. This experience, I think, predisposed me to liking Glass's compositions.
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