PHILIP GLASS: Orion – Mark Atkins, didgeridoo; Eleftheria Arvcanitaki, vocals; Philip Glass Ensemble; Ashley MacIsaac, violin; Wu Man, pipa; Gaurav Mazumdar, sitar; Ravi Shankar, composition for sitar; Foday Musa Suso, kora; UAKTI – Orange Mountain Music

by | Aug 9, 2005 | Classical CD Reviews | 0 comments

PHILIP GLASS: Orion – Mark Atkins, didgeridoo; Eleftheria
Arvcanitaki, vocals; Philip Glass Ensemble; Ashley MacIsaac, violin; Wu
Man, pipa; Gaurav Mazumdar, sitar; Ravi Shankar, composition for sitar;
Foday Musa Suso, kora; UAKTI, multi-instrumentalists; Michael Riesman,
conductor. Orange Mountain Music omm0021. (2 CDs: 52:34, 38:11) ***1/2:

Philip Glass has apparently found a new niche, one in which he is
thriving: world music collaborations. In this two-CD set, he’s enlisted
the aid of musicians from China, Australia, India, Brazil, Gambia, Cape
Breton, and Greece. I’m not sure who composed what on these
collaborative pieces, but most of them work, several of them
brilliantly. Only one is marred by sub-standard performance.

A spooky interlude on the Australian didgeridoo opens this CD. Played
by Mark Atkins, the instrument sounds like a lumbering ruminant about
to trample your tent. Paired with Glass’ distinctive ostinatos,
“Australia” sets the mood for what follows: a startling virtuosic pipa
piece by Chinese musician, Wu Man. Between these two tracks is a
transition piece, featuring both didgeridoo and pipa. In “China” Glass
has fashioned an exciting, rhythmic, quite un-Chinese piece, which ends
with a brief solo and energetic coda. In “Canada” half of MacIsaac’s
Cape Breton violin piece is a melodic folk tune skirting the edge of
sentimentality; the other half is a sudden vigorous Celtic jig medley
in which the only trace of Philip Glass is the closing chorus. Foda
Musa Suso’s African kora rubs and tickles the ear in “Gambia.” This
piece is tightly integrated with Glass’ sense of rhythm and tentative
woodwinds. Both explore new sound regions.

“Brazil” opens with Glass’ trademark vocalise, collects layers of
complexity and drum accompaniment, while still maintaining its
character. It is both accessible and resistant to multiple listenings.
A three-minute Brazil/India interlude whets the appetite for the tour
de force that follows. “India” features the astounding Sitar work of
Gaurav Mazumdar, a true pupil of Ravi Shankar, who composed the piece.
From its bursting opening through Glass’ whirling vocal accompaniment,
down to its canny balance of restraint and wild abandon, “India” is as
good as “China.” I never thought I’d say the words “Greece is
disappointing,” but it is. The folk song Glass chose is lackadaisical
and undramatic, and the pretty Eleftheria Arvcanitaki sings as if she’s
having a bad day. At times she even sounds off key. Ah Maria
Farantouri, Greek singer extraordinaire, interpreter of Mikis
Theodorakis, voice from the Olympian gods, where are you when we need
you? Buy this CD anyway. Its other 79 minutes will entertain you and
your friends.

— Peter Bates
 

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