The Philip Glass Ensemble, founded in 1968, is a music ensemble dedicated to the works of esteemed minimalist composer Philip Glass. Known for its distinctive timbre and synthesis of electric organs, winds, keyboards, and voice, the group plays a vital role in bringing Glass's rich oeuvre to audiences worldwide. Under Glass's leadership, the ensemble has been pivotal in establishing and expressing the unique rhythmic and melodic style that characterizes the minimalist movement in music. Over the years, they have been instrumental in performing and recording Glass's compositions, presenting them in a variety of venues, from opera houses to concert halls and beyond.

Among the ensemble's most notable performances is "Einstein on the Beach," the groundbreaking opera that brought Glass international acclaim. The opera, premiered in 1976 and recorded multiple times since, is a quintessential piece of the Philip Glass Ensemble's repertoire, showcasing their synchronicity and the hypnotic pulse that defines Glass's work. The ensemble frequently revisits and refreshes their performances to reflect the ever-evolving nuances of Glass's compositions. Their repertoire extends to include an array of Glass's compositions such as "Music in Twelve Parts" and "Music in Eight Parts," which capture the essence of the ensemble's transformative impact on modern classical music and have contributed to the legacy of Philip Glass as one of the most influential contemporary composers.

Genres

Modern Performance

Latest Release

Philip Glass: Music in Eight Parts

Philip Glass•

Philip Glass Ensemble

Single - Released May 22, 2020