Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
CD Review: The Concerto Project, Volume I (music by Philip Glass)
Our Classical Pick of the Week is tonight with the Pasadena Symphony and special guest and timpani rockstar, Jonathan Haas, playing American composer Philip Glass' "Concerto Fantasy for Two Timpanists and Orchestra." With that in mind, we decided to check out the album that features Haas with percussionist Evelyn Glennie.
Also on the album, but not in tonight's concert is the "Concerto for Cello and Orchestra," an adventurously beautiful piece with some of Glass' trademark sounds and riffs, but surprisingly feels quite influenced from the Romantic period. Cellist, Julian Lloyd Webber, plays precisely with full sound in what is becoming one of my personal favorite Glass pieces.
Yet, as a percussionist, I have to be swayed by the loud ruckus din and music produced by Glennie and Haas in "Concerto Fantasy for Two Timpanists and Orchestra" that will be played tonight in Pasadena. If you have kids who like drums, or you yourself a fan, do check out the timpani inspired concert or CD. The piece jarringly shocks you out your senses the moment it begins with a Mission Impossible-esque rhythm that interludes into tribal drum overtones, with marching drum sensations as the orchestra flavors the timpani's rhythmic theme. Beware of the percussive only third movement as extended techniques are executed quite well, but written with no excitement or interest for the listener. Lucky for listeners, there is a grandiose fast-paced explosive fourth movement that will leave the audience on a high-note.
Artists: Evelyn Glennie/Jonathan Haas/Gerard Schwarz/Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra
Album: GLASS: The Concerto Project Vol. 1
Label: Orange Mountain Music
Release Date: September 11, 2004
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
