The latest release by the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra, and first under the baton of current Music Director Anne Manson, features two works by American minimalist composer Philip Glass. The album was recorded live in concert in the CBC Glenn Gould Studio in Toronto on September 17, 2011, but this does not detract from the listening experience as there are no distracting sounds that often accompany live recordings.
The “Suite from The Hours” is structured to resemble a three movement piano concerto, but it is in reality a medley of music from Glass’ 2002 film score “The Hours,” expertly arranged by the featured soloist, Michael Riesman, Music Director of the Philip Glass Ensemble. This cinematic concert suite is scored for piano, strings, harp and celesta, with the piano taking front and center for the most part. Given the soloist’s long-standing ties with the composer, this music would be very personal for him, and this is evident in his commanding performance of it.
Philip Glass’ Symphony No. 3 pre-dates the companion work by about seven years, but style-wise fits in quite nicely along side it. It was written for 19 string players, and was meant to treat each musician as a soloist. Despite this intention, the work is cohesive and flows smoothly with the MCO under Anne Manson’s skilful baton. She states that the music of Philip Glass “has a magnetic, mesmerizing effect on the audience,” and this is clearly the case listening to this recording.
All in all this is an enjoyable recording from the MCO, an ensemble comprised almost entirely of musicians from the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. The music has harmony and melody, something quite rare with modern day composers of classical music, and for those who tend to favour more traditional classical music, this disc will have appeal. (Orange Mountain Music, themco.ca) John Ivison