The Post-Modern Classical Man – The Path Issue

‘Philip Glass is one of the most influential Post Modern classical composers. He is the most recent recipient of the 11th biannual Glenn Gould Prize for his contributions to music, technology and communications.’- Steve Bicknell

“I felt successful when I was 30, even though I didn’t make a living at music until I was 41 or 42. I felt successful when I was in my early thirties because I had my own ensemble and I could play concerts at will, pretty much when I wanted to. I made up my own program, I made up my tours, and frankly, I was prepared to do that for the rest of my life”- Philip Glass

Shortly after his arrival in New York in the late 1960s, Glass attended a performance of Steve Reich’s works, and was very impressed by the simplicity of the music that was played, so he simplified his own style and his minimalist career began. His new work was first showcased in a concert of at Jonas Mekas’s Film-Makers Cinemathèque in September 1968. As he started to make an impact, he gained the attention of many experimental contemporaries of his, including Laurie Anderson, Brian Eno and Steve Reich.

Glass has said, ‘I didn’t think my life would change as much as it has. I thought I would be in downtown New York, playing in lofts and art galleries forever.’Now, Glass serves as an influential guide to the new generation of musical artists, as well as being an active composer.

To find more on the wonderful Philip Glass, go to our magazine.