Search - Philip Glass, Wendy Sutter, David Cossin :: Philip Glass - Songs & Poems for Solo Cello - Wendy Sutter

Gorgeous

R. Wood | Brooklyn, NY United States | 03/12/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"We just listened to extended portions of this record on the radio and it is extraordinarily beautiful. We had trouble guessing what decade or century it might be from and were very surprised it was Philip Glass. The music is both lyrical and haunting, and beautifully played and recorded. Highly recommended, don't miss it if you enjoy cello."

Depth, and a very unexpected romanticism.

Richard Threadgall | University of Virginia, Charlottesville | 11/30/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Unlike virtually every other Glass composition to which I have been exposed, "Songs and Poems" displayed real intellectualism and honesty of a kind I have never expected from the man who produced (and continuously re-produced) "Glassworks." These compositions, while recognizably minimalist in style and form, are unusually jagged-edged and stormy--romantic, I would say, in a way very unlike Glass' usual treacle and posturing.



Sutter's command of the material really elevates and justifies its emotional content. I would have never expected it, but these pieces are not only emotionally convincing, but convincing in a gripping and agonized fashion which reflects impressively on the soloist. She is both restrained and emphatic; for the first and only time in Glass' body of work I think we have encountered real, unselfconscious command of the emotional possibilities of minimalist music. I can't over-stress Sutter's contribution to this impressive success: Her intellectual command of the material and her expressive technique have literally made the piece what it is.



It is unusual for me to compliment a composition on its emotional content, but it is so extremely unusual to see Glass write with honest and unsentimental vulnerability, depression, elevation and rage that it's all the more surprising how effectively he has carried it off. As suspicious of emotionally sensational material as I am, I have repeatedly enjoyed this recording and, in fact, enjoyed it more each time."

Philip Glass wrestles with his soul and Wendy exposes it.

M. Gordon | Noblesville, Indiana | 03/13/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The accuracy of the Cello is a clear challenge to the composer, who's work has been focsed on the precision of ensembles and percussion (including solo piano). Mr. Glass has accepted the challenge to go deep and created his most haunting work to date. The composition, performance and recording all come together in a way that reveals the soul that has been inside the machine driving his work all along.



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