Glass: Descent Into The Maelstrom
Arctic Philharmonic, Kai Andersen
An impressive orchestral makeover for what was an obscure 1985 theatre score. Swirling, evocative and overflowing with drama, kudos must go to arrangers Alexander Waaktaar.
Glass: Descent Into The Maelstrom
Arctic Philharmonic, Kai Andersen
Purchase product
An impressive orchestral makeover for what was an obscure 1985 theatre score. Swirling, evocative and overflowing with drama, kudos must go to arrangers Alexander Waaktaar.
About
In 1985, Philip Glass composed a 'dance-theater' work based on Edgar Allen Poe’s 1841 short story 'A Descent into the Maelstrom' as one of the last pieces written for the original Philip Glass Ensemble (keyboards and woodwinds.) A few years ago Norwegian filmmaker Jan Vardøen decided to make a film about the Poe’s story which is set in the Arctic Circle near the Lofoten archipelago in northern Norway. At the same time, Vardøen discovered Philip Glass Ensemble recording of the work. As part of his film, Vardøen conscripted the Arctic Philharmonic Orchestra and arranger Alexander Waaktar to adapt the music for full symphony orchestra, voice, and synthesizer, all under the baton of Tim Weiss. The result is a dramatic new interpretation of a little known major Philip Glass work. This new recording from Orange Mountain Music marks the first recording of this dynamic piece in this new orchestral form.
Contents and tracklist
- Arctic Philharmonic
- Kai Andersen
Awards and reviews
October 2019
An impressive orchestral makeover for what was an obscure 1985 theatre score. Swirling, evocative and overflowing with drama, kudos must go to arrangers Alexander Waaktaar.
October 2019
Glass has never been averse to the rearranging of his scores for different media, while often encouraging others to do similarly…The result is consummately professional and entirely predictable in its adhering to the spirit of Glass’s score…The playing of the Arctic PO is fully attuned to those hallmarks of the Glass idiom, as also is Tim Weiss in his control over the undulating ebb and flow of this music – enchanted by a suitably spacious sound balance that underlines the widescreen aura.
September 2019
Enjoyable and insightful performances of a fine work…
