PHILIP GLASS (b.1937): Glassworlds, Vol. 1 - Glassworks: I. Opening, Orphée Suite (arr. Paul Barnes [b.1961]), Dreaming Awake (World Premiere Recording), How Now.

Description: The biggest piece here is also by far the earliest, the 31-minute How Now of 1968, influenced by Indian ragas and by gamelan music while the 27-minute Orphée Suite (2000) blends virtuosity and melodic richness in its transcriptions of seven numbers from the first opera in Glass' Cocteau Trilogy. Dreaming Awake is something of a Glass rarity; written in 2003 to benefit a Tibetan Buddhist charity, it was recorded by the composer on a limited edition, never to be repeated or reissued CD. Very reminiscent of the Metamorphosis pieces from the late 1980s, the work consists of sections in scales, a kind of chorale melody, and oscillating figuration, which repeat in various combinations and configurations, building a powerful climax toward the end. This is the original piece as recorded by the composer, who has performed a shorter version live in more recent years. Nicolas Horvath (piano).