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Philip Glass — Opening
Album: Glassworks
Avg rating:
7.5

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2215









Released: 1981
Length: 5:46
Plays (last 30 days): 2
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(Instrumental)
Comments (366)add comment
Probably my most favorite Philip Glass piece. Plus I have the privilege of experiencing him playing it live in the Sydney Opera House.
https://www.google.com/search?...
Posted 2 weeks ago by mhamann123    [ Reply ]
 Jakethemuss wrote:
It may be superficially repetitive but it’s the small variations that make this so lovely.
 
"I wanted to make a point with my Philip Glass album that there is no such thing as repetition in music."
-Vikingur Olafsson

Posted 2 weeks ago by stoatva    [ Reply ]
HEY!  LOOK --->  The Allman Brothers are playing on RP Rock Mix ! Lets go...
Posted 1 month ago by grhorn    [ Reply ]
 pontfarrer wrote:
Seriously ?   you just have way too much time on your hands

smackiepipe wrote:
Reminds me of an old "Knock-Knock" joke.

Knock Knock
Who's there?
Philip Glass.
Knock Knock
Who's there?
Philip Glass.
Knock Knock
Who's there?
Philip Glass.
Knock Knock
Who's there?
Philip Glass.
Knock Knock
Who's there?
Philip Glass....

 plus .  Knock knock
.             leave it there please, lean it against wall.



 

Posted 1 month ago by dobsonderek8    [ Reply ]
Simultaneously sad and joyful - lovely.
Posted 5 months ago by Jakethemuss    [ Reply ]
 pixeli wrote:
something between juicy jean-michel jarre and the genius köln concert ... just fine ;-)
 
I see no relation between this elementary piffle and the wonderfull Koln concert.  It's not even well executed.
Posted 6 months ago by Edweirdo    [ Reply ]
something between juicy jean-michel jarre and the genius köln concert ... just fine ;-)
Posted 7 months ago by pixeli    [ Reply ]
 meryemkutlu94 wrote:
1
According to your mysterious metric. I'm giving it a 9 because the piece deserves it and that will offset your narrow mindedness.

Posted 7 months ago by itsme_bygolly    [ Reply ]
 ce wrote:

That's a valid point, but sometimes it's good to stand still and contemplate just how beautiful ripples in water can be.
I'm reminded of that video in the film "American Beauty" of a plastic bag flying in the wind.
 
Oh my God, that was the most amazingly beautiful thing!
And yes, this piece is gorgeous.
Goes straight in to the core.
Posted 9 months ago by jomabu23    [ Reply ]
1
Posted 11 months ago by meryemkutlu94    [ Reply ]
1981? wow, I thought this was new.
Piano is eternal and timeless.
Posted 11 months ago by dianed    [ Reply ]
It may be superficially repetitive but it’s the small variations that make this so lovely.
Posted 11 months ago by Jakethemuss    [ Reply ]
 pvg44 wrote:
Oy, I'm sorry but I don't get it.  I see ripples in water that are interesting for a minute or so and then become...well, repetitive.
 
That's a valid point, but sometimes it's good to stand still and contemplate just how beautiful ripples in water can be.
I'm reminded of that video in the film "American Beauty" of a plastic bag flying in the wind.
Posted 1 year ago by ce    [ Reply ]
Long Live                                                                                                                                     Radio Paradise
My rating is                                                                                              8 - Most Excellent          but weak  
Posted 2 years ago by Tomasni    [ Reply ]
 pvg44 wrote:
Oy, I'm sorry but I don't get it.  I see ripples in water that are interesting for a minute or so and then become...well, repetitive.
 

I find it to be self indulgent dribble. Awful.
Posted 2 years ago by gatorade    [ Reply ]
Perfect blend for working up a dinner menu.
Posted 2 years ago by Bob2748    [ Reply ]
 back to top

DJ_BellsEye wrote:
I bought this album on vinyl when it came out while I was in college and a rabid Glass fan. This was his follow-up I think to Songs from Liquid Days, his "crossover" hit with several top pop starts of the day (e.g., David Byrne and others).
Hearing this song on RP is what makes me listen to RP and what makes RP great. Thank you.{#Heartkiss}

 

Posted 2 years ago by kjf06    [ Reply ]
Back in the old days of mix-tape CDs I'd intersperse these haunting piano pieces with arias from Glass's "Songs from the Trilogy" CD.  My appreciation for both CDs and especially for Glass's more lyrical music deepens through the years.
A new favorite is Ethan Hawke reading Ginsberg's "Witchita Vortex Sutra" to Glass's music of the same name.  Also haunting.
Posted 2 years ago by jhinrich    [ Reply ]
it's the cold, analytical part of me that loves this
but it is also a little hopeful and comes to a peaceful resolution
Posted 2 years ago by LaurieinTucson    [ Reply ]
Nice pairing, Bill. I left my office and came back thinking this was a slow fade-out of The National's "Slow Show". 
Posted 2 years ago by chyk5    [ Reply ]
Closing.
Posted 2 years ago by TerryS    [ Reply ]
I can't play the piano - or at least not properly.

But when I did sit down at the piano and just played simple alternating fingers and basic chords it sounded something like this Philip Glass number.

I eventually gave up playing the piano but I missed a trick - I should have told everybody I was a minimalist composer.

Posted 2 years ago by Stephen_Phillips    [ Reply ]
Lovely and meditative rainy day music, but it seems to not go anywhere. I'm a Glass fan — when the chords and melody are evocative. This is like a practice session. 
Posted 3 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
Oy, I'm sorry but I don't get it.  I see ripples in water that are interesting for a minute or so and then become...well, repetitive.
Posted 3 years ago by pvg44    [ Reply ]
it is Here, Now         it's easy to enjoy, or as easy to psd and change  : )   Peace
Posted 3 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]
 thewiseking wrote:
I don't like to use the word overrated. That word however may very well apply to Mr Philip Glass.How does this compare or
surpass ex, Angelo Badalamenti or dozens of other barely recognized soundtrack composers?

 
Just a different approach. Minimal yet powerful. The Koyaanisquatsi soundtrack is a great example. Really complements the movie but stands on its own as well and has had a lot of influence (cf. the Interstellar soundtrack). 

edit: that being said, this isn't quite my favorite piece of his. 
Posted 3 years ago by kalpol    [ Reply ]
I don't like to use the word overrated. That word however may very well apply to Mr Philip Glass.How does this compare or
surpass ex, Angelo Badalamenti or dozens of other barely recognized soundtrack composers?
Posted 3 years ago by thewiseking    [ Reply ]
 kazoo wrote:
The other evening at sunset, after a day of rain, there were high clouds in rippling waves in the sky. As the sun set the ripples changed to colors of red, orange, violet and pink. This music is like that. All the ripples are very similar but not quite the same, slowly changing as they move slowly along. Makes me stop and look or listen. Close to blissful.

 
very nice  : )
Posted 3 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]
Sublime, powerful, refined, eternal. In my opinion, this is Glass' finest, most exquisite work ever.
Posted 4 years ago by rocklandlove    [ Reply ]
Wonderful.  Never get tired of hearing it.
Posted 4 years ago by coyote620    [ Reply ]
Philip Glass, often brilliant. This just doesn't do it for me though. It's like he found a cool piano sequence and wouldn't let it go (except on too long).
Posted 4 years ago by Redpoint    [ Reply ]
I bought this album on vinyl when it came out while I was in college and a rabid Glass fan. This was his follow-up I think to Songs from Liquid Days, his "crossover" hit with several top pop starts of the day (e.g., David Byrne and others).
Hearing this song on RP is what makes me listen to RP and what makes RP great. Thank you.{#Heartkiss}
Posted 4 years ago by DJ_BellsEye    [ Reply ]
Less is more. 
Posted 4 years ago by HRHogwash    [ Reply ]
Sounds like I'm listening to vinyl and it keeps skipping back to the same groove. Boring!
Posted 4 years ago by GeorgeMWoods    [ Reply ]
He ist absolutely fantastic! More Philip Glass please! {#Clap}{#Clap}{#Clap}{#Clap}
Posted 4 years ago by VH1    [ Reply ]
 merobreno wrote:
When I hear this my mind automatically fills in it's own lyrics: "Redundant,Redundant,Redundant,Redundant".

 
yeah yeah yeah
Posted 4 years ago by max_p    [ Reply ]
This music break my heart of glass. Beautiful. More Philip Glass please.
Posted 4 years ago by Ptijoc    [ Reply ]
 Jelani wrote:
Can we stop now please?

 
Please not yet. It's building. If you missed it, sorry.
Posted 5 years ago by bam23    [ Reply ]
Can we stop now please?
Posted 5 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
The other evening at sunset, after a day of rain, there were high clouds in rippling waves in the sky. As the sun set the ripples changed to colors of red, orange, violet and pink. This music is like that. All the ripples are very similar but not quite the same, slowly changing as they move slowly along. Makes me stop and look or listen. Close to blissful.
Posted 5 years ago by kazoo    [ Reply ]
When I hear this my mind automatically fills in it's own lyrics: "Redundant,Redundant,Redundant,Redundant".
Posted 5 years ago by merobreno    [ Reply ]
 TerryS wrote:

Now I know where Gustavo Santaollala got his ideas.

And on a completely different note:

For Proclivity

":I know what you mean but ultimately, that's true with everything...except maybe anhedonia."

 

To which I ask "how long have you been married?"

 
Not long enough for it to be boring.  Well, I generally don't bore easily anyhow - there's almost always something to distract me.  I guess my prior assertion is not wholly accurate.
Posted 5 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
Mind numbing. 
Posted 5 years ago by Spalted    [ Reply ]
 SweTex wrote:
His soundtrack to "The Hours" is pretty awesome. So is the movie, btw.
cayenne wrote:

Or for something completely different, there is Koyaanisqatsi.

 
awesome music for these beautiful mind-blowing experiences  
Posted 6 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]
Thought it was Wim Mertens
Posted 6 years ago by ecojot    [ Reply ]
 hidey wrote:
Outstanding piece of music. It stops me in my tracks every time I hear it. Thank you RP!

 
Agreed
Posted 6 years ago by coyote620    [ Reply ]
 hidey wrote:
Outstanding piece of music. It stops me in my tracks every time I hear it. Thank you RP!

 
Amen to that.
Posted 6 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]
 SweTex wrote:
His soundtrack to "The Hours" is pretty awesome. So is the movie, btw.

 
Or for something completely different, there is Koyaanisqatsi.
Posted 6 years ago by cayenne    [ Reply ]

Now I know where Gustavo Santaollala got his ideas.

And on a completely different note:

For Proclivity

":I know what you mean but ultimately, that's true with everything...except maybe anhedonia."

 

To which I ask "how long have you been married?"


Posted 6 years ago by TerryS    [ Reply ]
 avatar71 wrote:
 It would be a mistake to think that music goes anywhere...the essence of music is the journey without end, like an asymptote approaching a line that it will never reach. Listen closely to the end of any song or symphony and you can always hear another note or chord beyond where the composer has arbitrarily stopped...minimalism is interesting for how it presents this quality of music in its simplest form. 
 
An asymptote is an excellent way to describe his music.  It always gets close to something, but never arrives.  For me that is its beauty.
Posted 7 years ago by nelsonha    [ Reply ]
Jesus fuck I am stuck at home cuz of 15 inches of snow...this is why I am posting so much today...I love RP.  Addicted really.   Cure for boredom IMHO....
Posted 7 years ago by rdo    [ Reply ]
 I enjoy listening to music "closely" drsteevo wrote:
This song is completely mind blowing if you listen closely.

 


Posted 7 years ago by 1wolfy    [ Reply ]
 84MacGuy wrote:
Sounds like Ludovico Einaudi on valium.  Good but a little sleepy.

 
{#Roflol}
Posted 7 years ago by mojcamojca77    [ Reply ]
Sounds like Ludovico Einaudi on valium.  Good but a little sleepy.
Posted 7 years ago by 84MacGuy    [ Reply ]
I think I like the mash-up better

https://www.radioparadise.com/#name=songinfo&song_id=42287 
Posted 7 years ago by The_Enemy    [ Reply ]
A little goes a long, long way. I got the beauty and mystery in the first 20 minutes.
Posted 7 years ago by ziakut    [ Reply ]

Pleasant but sort of boring.
Posted 7 years ago by GeorgeMWoods    [ Reply ]
More Phillip Glass!
Posted 7 years ago by jdibiase    [ Reply ]
 smackiepipe wrote:
Reminds me of an old "Knock-Knock" joke.

Knock Knock
Who's there?
Philip Glass.
Knock Knock
Who's there?
Philip Glass.
Knock Knock
Who's there?
Philip Glass.
Knock Knock
Who's there?
Philip Glass.
Knock Knock
Who's there?
Philip Glass....

 
{#Lol} but also...{#Daisy}
Posted 7 years ago by Rachoh    [ Reply ]
 smackiepipe wrote:
Reminds me of an old "Knock-Knock" joke.

Knock Knock
Who's there?
Philip Glass.
Knock Knock
Who's there?
Philip Glass.
Knock Knock
Who's there?
Philip Glass.
Knock Knock
Who's there?
Philip Glass.
Knock Knock
Who's there?
Philip Glass....

 
I don't get it.
Posted 7 years ago by allenrudd    [ Reply ]
 TerryS wrote:
Momentarily intriguing, eventually boring

 
I know what you mean but ultimately, that's true with everything...except maybe anhedonia.
Posted 7 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
how Fun! not good at playing music but should this be called the "black keys"?...
Posted 7 years ago by ddbz    [ Reply ]
Momentarily intriguing, eventually boring
Posted 7 years ago by TerryS    [ Reply ]
Seriously ?   you just have way too much time on your hands

smackiepipe wrote:
Reminds me of an old "Knock-Knock" joke.

Knock Knock
Who's there?
Philip Glass.
Knock Knock
Who's there?
Philip Glass.
Knock Knock
Who's there?
Philip Glass.
Knock Knock
Who's there?
Philip Glass.
Knock Knock
Who's there?
Philip Glass....

 


Posted 7 years ago by pontfarrer    [ Reply ]
This is so beautiful, peaceful, pretty, soothing, relaxing, but dark at the same time ...
Posted 7 years ago by pontfarrer    [ Reply ]
Very Satie, thank you.
Posted 7 years ago by kdarwish    [ Reply ]
{#Kiss}Pure pleasure
Posted 8 years ago by Easyrider    [ Reply ]
Outstanding piece of music. It stops me in my tracks every time I hear it. Thank you RP!
Posted 8 years ago by hidey    [ Reply ]
i don't own any philip glass, but i love everything i hear. i wonder what of his work is the best to purchase?
Posted 8 years ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
Very Nice!
Great addition to RP!
Posted 8 years ago by Stranglersfan    [ Reply ]
...frenetic...
Posted 8 years ago by tulfan    [ Reply ]
Thanks, Bill.  This crowd needs to hear Phillip Glass.
Posted 8 years ago by joelbb    [ Reply ]
 smackiepipe wrote:
Reminds me of an old "Knock-Knock" joke.

Knock Knock
Who's there?
Philip Glass.
Knock Knock
Who's there?
Philip Glass.
Knock Knock
Who's there?
Philip Glass.
Knock Knock
Who's there?
Philip Glass.
Knock Knock
Who's there?
Philip Glass....
 
Knock knock
Who's there?
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
10 minutes pass...
.
.
.
.
.

Turns out it was John Cage.
Posted 8 years ago by Dave_Mack    [ Reply ]
 It would be a mistake to think that music goes anywhere...the essence of music is the journey without end, like an asymptote approaching a line that it will never reach. Listen closely to the end of any song or symphony and you can always hear another note or chord beyond where the composer has arbitrarily stopped...minimalism is interesting for how it presents this quality of music in its simplest form. 
Posted 8 years ago by avatar71    [ Reply ]
This song is completely mind blowing if you listen closely.
Posted 8 years ago by drsteevo    [ Reply ]
 enkay wrote:
I tend to think that Philip Glass is an acquired taste, a bit like Guinness. Reviled by some, but once you get into it there is much to savour and appreciate.  I'm a long term fan of both by the way. And the go quite well together as a matter of fact.
 
{#Cheers}  Agreed!
Posted 8 years ago by WayUpNorth    [ Reply ]
His soundtrack to "The Hours" is pretty awesome. So is the movie, btw.
Posted 8 years ago by SweTex    [ Reply ]
Reminds me of an old "Knock-Knock" joke.

Knock Knock
Who's there?
Philip Glass.
Knock Knock
Who's there?
Philip Glass.
Knock Knock
Who's there?
Philip Glass.
Knock Knock
Who's there?
Philip Glass.
Knock Knock
Who's there?
Philip Glass....
Posted 8 years ago by smackiepipe    [ Reply ]
 iTuner wrote:
Does go on for quite a bit and not seem to get anywhere.
 
I don't believe it's supposed to "get anywhere".  That seems to be the point of most of his music.
Posted 8 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
 Alexandra wrote:
Philip Glass's music reminds me of what you hear when a kid is sitting at the piano just messing around and playing the same damn stuff over and over again until his/her mom politely asks them to go and find something else to do.
 
Yeah right, and any Picasso could be done by any kid with crayons..........
Posted 8 years ago by maxmox    [ Reply ]
Does go on for quite a bit and not seem to get anywhere.
Posted 8 years ago by iTuner    [ Reply ]
love this.
Posted 8 years ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
 jbunniii wrote:
Incredibly repetitive.
 
just try to play it....
Posted 8 years ago by oldsaxon    [ Reply ]
 hey-yo!


Blastcat900 wrote:
Oddly, I hear a little bit of Phillip Glass in this... anyone hear that too?
 


Posted 8 years ago by apd    [ Reply ]
Oddly, I hear a little bit of Phillip Glass in this... anyone hear that too?
Posted 8 years ago by Blastcat900    [ Reply ]
I agree indeed
 
Poacher wrote:
He is hitting all the keys. . . but not necessarily in the right order.  
 


Posted 8 years ago by Hr-Rosendahl    [ Reply ]
I tend to think that Philip Glass is an acquired taste, a bit like Guinness. Reviled by some, but once you get into it there is much to savour and appreciate. I'm a long term fan of both by the way. And they go quite well together as a matter of fact.

Posted 8 years ago by enkay    [ Reply ]
First recognized his work in "Koyaanisqatsi" which I found quite provacative with its simplicty. Sometimes it works for me, sometimes not. Today, not so much.
Posted 9 years ago by mrgus    [ Reply ]
He is hitting all the keys. . . but not necessarily in the right order.  
Posted 9 years ago by SquiddlyDiddly    [ Reply ]
just beautiful. 
Posted 9 years ago by (former member)    [ Reply ]
Seems you either love Phillip Glass or you despise him. It's repetitive but I think that's the point. I remember it from the 1983 remake of Jean-Luc Godard's "Breathless" starring Richard Gere and Valerie Kaprisky. Says something about the resonance of the song if I could place it from a mostly forgettable film that I watched almost 30 years ago.
Posted 9 years ago by akasavage    [ Reply ]
I actually do think this is bad, or actually - simply unimaginative and quite boring...
Posted 9 years ago by sronis    [ Reply ]
{#Sleep}

Not that i think this is bad, it's just not helping me through a day's work... :)
Posted 9 years ago by Sjaaks    [ Reply ]
Hey, I like both Tull and Mr. Glass.

WIsh he would let it roll on into "Floe" too.

 Papernapkin wrote:

Ha, and you think Jethro Tull is good.
 


Posted 9 years ago by mrgehring    [ Reply ]
 Stingray wrote:
HORRIBLE (as usual)!!!!
 
Ha, and you think Jethro Tull is good.
Posted 9 years ago by Papernapkin    [ Reply ]
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh.
Posted 10 years ago by colt4x5    [ Reply ]
HORRIBLE (as usual)!!!!
Posted 10 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]
 TerryS wrote:
Perhaps this should have followed Gustavo Santaolalla, nope, on second thoughts, that'd be a surfeit of lampreys.
 
whoa hold on there now TerryS don't be talkin about surfeit of lampreys like that he was my progenitor don't you know

Posted 10 years ago by coy    [ Reply ]
exquisite divine
sounds pretty too

Posted 10 years ago by coy    [ Reply ]
 Stranglersfan wrote:
I loved it, keep up the outstanding programming.
I cannot think of anywhere else where I might hear Phillip Glass.
Thank you
 
Agreed!  I don't even hear Glass on NPR.

Posted 10 years ago by philbertr    [ Reply ]
I loved it, keep up the outstanding programming.
I cannot think of anywhere else where I might hear Phillip Glass.
Thank you
Posted 10 years ago by Stranglersfan    [ Reply ]
Beautiful
Posted 10 years ago by jkhandy    [ Reply ]
Is it over yet !!! Like a Neil Young 2 note solo on the keyboard.     Dullsville !
Posted 10 years ago by Yellowstone40    [ Reply ]
peace  {#Meditate}
Posted 10 years ago by 1wolfy    [ Reply ]
Perhaps this should have followed Gustavo Santaolalla, nope, on second thoughts, that'd be a surfeit of lampreys.
Posted 10 years ago by TerryS    [ Reply ]
Breathless I'm. {#Tongue}
Posted 10 years ago by prickelpit96    [ Reply ]
Stop listening to the notes and start listening to the music.
Posted 10 years ago by randerse10    [ Reply ]
 jbunniii wrote:
Incredibly repetitive.
 
That's the whole point of the majority his music.


Posted 10 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
FlatCat wrote:

        Clearly, all you people who think you like this and rate it highly can't be serious. 
 
 Then djaychicago wrote:
We are serious, and we know what we like. Most of us also have the common courtesy not to criticize others just because their musical tastes differ from ours.
 
But I wasn't being serious. Meant to be tongue in cheek. Beside, doubting that you are serious is not a criticism.

Posted 10 years ago by FlatCat    [ Reply ]
Amazing!  He can find the same keys time and time again......{#Stupid}
Posted 10 years ago by George_Tirebiter    [ Reply ]
Those who don't need movement, cadence and variation LOVE Philip Glass. This kind of music needs beautiful animation to make it happen...otherwise it could have easily ended about an hour ago. 
Posted 10 years ago by ziakut    [ Reply ]
 FlatCat wrote:
Awful stuff. PG is one of the biggest hoaxes of the 20th century. 
 

I'm pretty sure he exists.

Posted 10 years ago by BKardon    [ Reply ]
Incredibly repetitive.
Posted 10 years ago by jbunniii    [ Reply ]
. . . and played on a piano! 
Posted 10 years ago by Albert1967    [ Reply ]
 FlatCat wrote:
Awful stuff. PG is one of the biggest hoaxes of the 20th century. 

Clearly, all you people who think you like this and rate it highly can't be serious.  
 
We are serious, and we know what we like. Most of us also have the common courtesy not to criticize others just because their musical tastes differ from ours.

Posted 11 years ago by djaychicago    [ Reply ]
Hauntingly beautiful.
Posted 11 years ago by gatorade    [ Reply ]
 Zep wrote:

I am serious.  And don't call me Shirley.
 

Thank you! Love your comment!
Posted 11 years ago by paulmack    [ Reply ]
I find this piece utterly beautiful and never get tired of hearing it.  It stops me, takes a hold of me, and slowly puts me into a nice meditative trance.

Posted 11 years ago by coyote620    [ Reply ]
 gazit wrote:
I usually like instrumentals but this was kinda repititive.
 
No, it's contemplative ;^)
Posted 11 years ago by shutter    [ Reply ]